Scholarships do more than provide financial support. They open doors to opportunities, relieve burdens, and help students pursue their dreams. Every year, the New River Valley Home Builders Association and Building Futures Foundation awards scholarships to students across the New River Valley who want to further their education in the construction trades. To learn more about the support our scholarships provide, we spoke with Caleb Johnston, a 2022 scholarship recipient and now a construction professional in the New River Valley building industry. 

Caleb grew up around beef cattle, grain farming, building barns, decks, and completing other hands-on projects. He shared with us that through these experiences, he’s always had an interest in farming and residential construction. After graduating from Christiansburg High School, he continued his education by attending and graduating from the Virginia Tech School of Construction in 2026 and is currently working as an Assistant Project Manager for NRVHBA member company, Eagle Construction of Virginia.  

While he was sure he had an interest in residential construction, he pursued multiple hands-on experiences to confirm this is the career he wanted to pursue. Starting as a teenager, Caleb mowed yards and built projects on the farm. Throughout high school, he worked for Altizer Construction, an excavation company in Floyd, VA, and he pursued two internships with Eagle Construction while in college. Completing these jobs during his summers reinforced his desire to pursue a career in construction. 

In his current role as a project manager, he combines trade coordination and homeowner communication by managing and scheduling multiple trades to keep the project on track, managing the work being completed, and scheduling walkthroughs for homeowners. When completing walkthroughs, he gets to show homeowners each stage their project goes through and the work being completed to achieve their goal, which is normally not a part of the process homeowners see. The most rewarding moment for Caleb is when homeowners get to see their final project complete, and their vision come to life. Having a meaningful impact and supporting major life transitions through the construction of their homes leaves Caleb humbled by the difference he is making in our community 

During his time at Virginia Tech, Caleb attended career fairs, which is where he had the opportunity to meet Eagle Construction. He expressed how career fairs provided access to different kinds of companies and opportunities beyond residential and commercial construction. He encourages students to attend to them even if they're fearful of it and to ask questions and meet new people.  

The cost of higher education is an issue that continues to affect students' education each year. After discovering the New River Valley Home Builders Association scholarship, Caleb knew it was a good fit with his established interest in a career in construction. The scholarship played a critical role in making college more financially attainable. Throughout school, the scholarship helped support his career progression by allowing him to focus on his education and professional development. Reflecting on its impact, Caleb says, "I wouldn't be here today without the scholarship, no doubt." He explains how seeing all the "big number" costs of college can become overwhelming, but the support of the scholarship encouraged him to continue pursuing his career and take advantage of the opportunities he could get involved in, leading to his profession with Eagle Construction. 

The fast pace of the construction industry has taught Caleb how to use technology to its advantages. Using two phones and an iPad daily as he works on-the-go from his truck has shown him how multiple tools can support different functions simultaneously. As a young professional, learning how to adapt to these constantly changing tools continues to benefit him and his coworkers, as they trade construction and technology information back and forth.  

As the need for skilled workers to enter the construction workforce continues to increase, Caleb explains that workers are essential to building our future. Constructing homes, commercial buildings, and other structures is vital to keep our community growing and thriving. Caleb's final comment in the interview and advice for the younger generation: "Just get out there and talk to people. Ask questions, don't be scared."  

The cost of postsecondary education continues to be something students struggle with every year. The Building Futures Foundation recognizes that the construction industry needs skilled workers and provides scholarships to help aid the cost of education after high school, not just at universities, but community colleges, trades schools, and apprenticeship programs. To learn more about our scholarships or how to apply, visit https://www.nrvhba.com/scholarship/.