b'MinnesotaNorth Dakota ScholarshipsJosh Lease - New MN LECET Director MinnesotaLECETScholarship Program Josh joined LiUNA Local 563 in 2005, working as a skilled construction craft laborer in the field working for Shafer Contracting Co, Inc. He worked his way up to junior foreman and then becameMinnesota Laborers Employers Cooperation & Education Trust (LECET), affiliated with LiUNA MN & ND is once again offering the a supervisor in 2011 and worked in leadership roles for more than ten years with Shafer. In 2021,Minnesota LECET Scholarship Program to current LiUNA members and employee staff representatives of Union Signatory Contractors.he was hired as an instructor at the LTCLiUNA Laborers Training Center and became a certifiedUp to $1,000 is available per award to eligible candidates each program year. Since 2007, the program has awarded $87,000 in financial instructor through LiUNA training. At the LTC his mission has always been to provide a welcomingassistance to help people succeed in the construction industry. environment for LiUNA members, while helping them Train Up through important skills and safety training that will prepare them for a successful career working in the civil constructionMN LECET OFFERS TWO SCHOLARSHIPS. sector. He also believes in the power of uplifting people and mentoring members so they can build a great career in the construction trades and be proud lifelong LiUNA members.ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: For candidates currently enrolled in a higher education program institution with a declared major in an approved construction related program, such as Construction Management, Safety and Construction Engineering programs. Eligible In addition to his LiUNA career, Josh holds a B.A. Degree in Business Management fromcandidates include: Signatory Union Contractor staff and intern representatives and current Laborers International Union of North America Bethel University. (LiUNA) Union members and their eligible dependents. *To verify eligibility, please contact Minnesota LECET.I am both humbled and honored to become a part of LECETs team, said Lease. I look forward to being part of this organization for manyLEADERSHIP GRANT PROGRAM: For current LiUNA members only who are seeking to further advance in the construction industry through years to come. I believe in the importance of working hard, having patience and to never settle and also to not be afraid to make a change. approved specialized training coursework, higher education programs or certifications that are not currently offered through the Minnesota Laborers Training Centers curriculum based in Lino Lakes Minnesota. *Members must be in good standing with their LiUNA Local Union. Josh will continue to work alongside Dwight Engen for part of 2026 as Dwight transitions to retirement. Dwight has been the Director for Minnesota LECET since 2006.Candidates meeting both programs only need to apply for the program they believe best pertains to them. All decisions are made by the LECET Board of Trustees as per the program rules, with all decisions final.Josh can be reached at: (651) 470-1932 or josh@mnlecet.org Applications, rules and forms can be found at:www.mnlecet.orgApplications due June 30, 2026. info@mnlecet.orgWhat is LECET? The Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET).LECET works with LiUNA Signatory Union Contractors in Minnesota & Local 563 Provides Up To 10-North Dakota on many issues pertaining to the Union Constructionindustry, including tools to win more Projects and Jobs.L = Laborers $1,000.00 Scholarships Yearly.E = EmployersC = Cooperation Info@mnlecet.org Applicants must be dependents of members who are currently in good standing with Construction and General Laborers Local 563, E = Education graduating in the spring of 2026 and maintain a B average. Scholarships are awarded by random drawing. Anyone interested in obtaining T = Trust a scholarship application should contact the Local 563 Minneapolis office at612-781-6933and request a scholarship packet. HOW TO FIND A UNION CONTRACTOR 2025 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERSEmersyn BrunetteJuila DaSilvaVanessa Dominguez RuizAllison Hagen-BadeBelow: Video on howSearch qualified Union Contractors working in Minnesota, Abigail Hagen-BadeGavin OelschlagerLindsay NewcombClaire Roffto navigate the UnionNorth Dakota and Northwest Wisconsin by:Contractors Website.Contractor Name Work Category VISIT: Additional Scholarships Available. Contract Area/Location General Contractors and Sub Contractors liunacontractorsmnnd.org Specialty Contractors or mnlecet.org The AFL-CIOhas scholarships available to high school seniors graduating in 2026. They must be a union member or dependentDBE, MBE and more of a union member whose local union is affiliated with the AFL-CIO, have a B average or better, and attend a post-secondary institution located within the State of Minnesota. Contact mnaflcio@mnaflcio.org or call 651-227-7647 CONTRACTORS: Signatory Union Contractors are recommendedto update your information page covering your markets and work areas. The Building Trades Credit Union has scholarships for Union Apprentices, as well as scholarships for students pursuing a post-secondary education (college, vocational, or technical college). Applicants must have an individual savings accountGo To: and be a member in good standing with the Building Trades Credit Union. The due date for the applications is usually inLIUNAContractorsMNND.Org/Update-your-information June and can be found at buildingtradesCU.com 10 local 563 laborers union /563 news /2025-2026 newsletterlocal 563 laborers union /563 news /2025-2026 newsletter 11'