Ed Bahler Sr. Innovation and Construction Scholarship
In the mid-50s, Edwin A. Bahler Sr. had a passion to help friends of the local farming community find a solution to their farm machinery storage needs. US agriculture had entered the industrial age, and large farm equipment demanded a more efficient and expansive storage facility. Through his hard work and dedication, FBi Buildings was founded in 1958 and quickly became a post-frame industry leader and innovator.
This success was built on Ed’s faith and personal philosophy. He taught that doing “what was right,” even when it is painful in the short term, will always bear fruit in the long run. He had a generous spirit and a heart for helping the “little guy.” And he had a passion for economy and innovation that was inspired by the Thomas Edison quote that hung on his wall, “There is a better way to do it; find it.”
Ed passed away in 2011, leaving a wonderful legacy for the company to build on. The family has led the organization since the mid ’70s, continuing FBi’s leadership and innovation in the post-frame industry. Under the leadership of Ed Jr. and his team today, there remains a strong commitment to Ed Sr.’s founding principles and their current core values of — “Do Right, On Time, With Excellence.” The next generation is developing their skills to continue Ed Sr.’s legacy well into the future.
Apply Online
This Scholarship was created to contribute to our community by assisting local graduating high school seniors entering college in one of the following disciplines:
The School of Building Construction Management (BCM)
The School of Agriculture in the academic departments
Engineering or Economics
The School of Engineering
The opportunity to offer job opportunities to those in our community seeking both professional sales and design and field professionals such as crew foreman and carpentry.
Form
A scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded to a successful candidate. (This can be renewed for up to three additional years if you maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA.)
Candidate must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Candidate must be a 2024 graduating senior or a college student who was awarded a scholarship the prior year from FBi Buildings, Inc.
This Scholarship will only be applied to the Building Construction Management (BCM) and School of Agriculture Engineering, Design (CAD), Sales, Marketing, and Engineering.
Scholarships may be applied toward tuition or course fees in the states of Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, or Wisconsin.
Candidates must complete and submit the Application by April 5, 2024, along with the following documents:
Write a one-page essay on the following topic:
Why do you feel you are a good candidate for this scholarship?
(1) Letter of Recommendation
Current Transcript (High School & Post-Secondary, if appropriate) with G.P.A.
Optional - Copy of Letter of Acceptance from the college you will be attending.
Form
Students will be evaluated based on seven criteria:
Career goals and Interests
Measurement: Students planning to major in construction, agriculture, or design. Potential career positions could be consultative sales, design, project management, or construction foreman. Candidate must have a history that demonstrates an interest in agriculture or construction via special projects and/or courses. Students must enroll in a college offering a two or four-year undergraduate degree. The ideal candidate would be interested in securing a summer internship and a potential long-term career with FBi Buildings.
Academic Accomplishment
Measurement: Students will be ranked according to their grade point average.
Motivation/Desire to Succeed
Measurement: The student will be evaluated on their ability to identify past accomplishments and articulate future ambitions. Reference should provide additional insight into the student’s motivation and desire.
Activities/Leadership
Measurement: The applicant’s involvement in extracurricular activities such as school-related activities, community and civic organizations, church-related programs, and/or employment and the extent to which the student has taken a leadership role in those activities.
Ability to Communicate
Measurement: The applicant’s ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing will be evaluated based on the written essay and the personal interview.
Capacity to Succeed
Measurement: The extent to which the student demonstrates he/she has the personal commitment and support necessary to complete a bachelor’s or 2-Year Trades program.
Form
Applicants must have all required documents mailed or submitted online by April 5, 2024. All mailed applicants need to be addressed to:
FBi Buildings Attn: Lilah Perez 3823 W 1800 S Remington, IN 47977
Candidates will be interviewed, scored, and selected by the Scholarship Committee.
Scholarships will be awarded in May 2024.
Please Note: Other recommendations for summer interns or full-time crew work are welcome.
FBi Buildings offers a competitive wage and benefits package and is known to promote from within.
