Paul and Helen Lenchuck Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by National Concrete Masonry Foundation

Description

**Purpose and scope**
The Paul and Helen Lenchuk Scholarship supports full-time graduate students in engineering (structural, architectural, or related fields) who are studying in the United States or Canada. The scholarship emphasizes research or study that advances the innovative design, application, or use of manufactured concrete masonry and hardscape products in the built environment. It is administered by the NCMA Education and Research Foundation to foster academic work that connects engineering practice with concrete masonry materials.

Key takeaways
- Supports graduate engineering students in the U.S. and Canada.
- Focus on innovative use of concrete masonry and hardscape products.
- Administered by the NCMA Education and Research Foundation.

History of the Award

**Origins and namesake**
The scholarship was established in 1988 through donations to honor Paul and Helen Lenchuk for their contributions to the concrete masonry industry. Paul Lenchuk served as President of the National Concrete Masonry Association from 1968 to 1985. The fund commemorates their legacy by investing in the next generation of engineers focused on masonry design and application.

Key takeaways
- Founded in 1988 in memory of Paul and Helen Lenchuk.
- Recognizes Paul Lenchuk’s leadership at NCMA (1968–1985).
- Created to perpetuate innovation in concrete masonry.

Eligibility

**Academic standing and degree**
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before the start of the proposed graduate study (not necessarily at application time). The program targets graduate-level students pursuing advanced degrees in engineering, construction, architecture, or materials science where the student’s independent study focuses on concrete masonry.

**Enrollment and performance**
To receive the full award, recipients must be enrolled as graduate students for the entire scholarship period and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL or GRE scores to demonstrate English proficiency.

Key takeaways
- Bachelor’s degree required prior to start of graduate study.
- Graduate study must focus on concrete masonry in a related field.
- Must maintain a 3.0+ GPA and demonstrate English proficiency if applicable.
- Full award requires continuous graduate enrollment during the scholarship period.

Award Value

**Typical award amount and frequency**
Typically one scholarship of $5,000 is awarded each academic year. Awards are generally one-time grants and are not renewable; they are intended to provide single-year support for eligible graduate study.

Key takeaways
- Typical award: $5,000 (one recipient per year).
- Awards are one-time grants and not renewable.

Application Timeline

**Deadlines and notification**
Completed applications must be received by the NCMA Education and Research Foundation no later than June 1 each calendar year to be considered. Applicants will be notified of award decisions by September 15 for the upcoming academic year.

Key takeaways
- Application deadline: June 1 annually.
- Notification of recipients: by September 15 annually.

Submission Requirements

**Required documents**
Applicants must submit a fully completed application form with typed responses limited to the provided spaces. Unofficial transcripts for all institutions attended (undergraduate and graduate, if applicable) must be included; the Foundation may request official transcripts.

**Transcript and completeness standards**
Transcripts should show the student’s name, institution, grades and credit hours for each course, and the term for each course. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the Foundation receives the entire application package before the deadline.

Key takeaways
- Submit a complete, typed application form and unofficial transcripts for all institutions.
- Transcripts must show name, school, grades, credit hours, and term details.
- The Foundation may request official transcripts; applicants must ensure the package is complete before the deadline.

Selection of Recipients

**Review and decision process**
Recipients are chosen based on the recommendation of the Foundation Program Review Committee and approved by the Foundation Board of Trustees. The Board’s decision is final.

**Reapplication and notifications**
Not all applicants will be selected; students who remain eligible may reapply in subsequent years. Official award announcements are made by the Foundation no later than September 15 each year.

Key takeaways
- Selection by Foundation Program Review Committee, approved by Board of Trustees.
- Board decision is final.
- Applicants may reapply in later years if they continue to meet eligibility requirements.