Paving Scholarship Program
The asphalt industry continues to face a growing workforce challenge. According to the AGC/NCCER 2025 Workforce Survey, 92% of construction firms report difficulty hiring qualified workers, making workforce development one of the industry's greatest priorities.
At Women of Asphalt, we're committed to helping close that gap by connecting women with meaningful career pathways, hands-on technical training, and professional development opportunities that strengthen both individual careers and the future of our industry.
Through the Women of Asphalt x Caterpillar Paving Operations Scholarship, WofA members will receive a fully funded opportunity to participate in Caterpillar's immersive Paving Operations Training in Tinaja, Arizona.
This unique experience provides hands-on instruction, real-world equipment training, and practical knowledge designed to build confidence, expand technical expertise, and prepare participants for long-term success in the asphalt industry.
What the Scholarship Covers:
- Full course tuition to Caterpillar's immersive week-long paving operations training.
- All travel, lodging, and food expenses included.
- Scholarship value of $6,000+ per participant
- Training Program: Caterpillar Paving Operations Training
- Course Location & Date: Tinaja, Arizona December 1 - 4, 2026.
Who Should Apply?
Current Women of Asphalt members working in or pursuing careers in the asphalt industry, including field personnel, plant personnel, laboratory technicians, engineers, students, managers, and other industry professionals eager to expand their technical knowledge.
Training
- Training Program: Caterpillar Paving Operations Training
- Course Location & Date: Tinaja, Arizona December 1 - 4, 2026.
Applications are reviewed by a committee of Women of Asphalt leaders and evaluated based on:
- Demonstrated interest in growing a career in the asphalt industry
- Potential impact of the training on the applicant's career
- Commitment to applying and sharing what is learned
- Overall quality and thoughtfulness of the application
- Engagement with Women of Asphalt and the asphalt industry (if applicable)
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly explain why you want to attend.
- Share your career goals.
- Describe how you'll use what you learn.
- Be authentic...we want to hear your story!
- Application Opens: September 2026
- Application Deadline: September 2026
- Notification Date By: October 1, 2026
- What costs are covered by the scholarship? The scholarship covers full course tuition (a $4,200 value) plus up to $2,000 for travel, lodging, and meals.
- What file type and sizes can I upload (Question 19)? SurveyMonkey accepts PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, and GIF files up to 16 MB. If your file is too large, try reducing the size or copy/pasting your responses into Question 18.
- Can I save my application and come back later? Yes! SurveyMonkey allows you to save your progress and return to complete your application before the deadline.
- Can WofA Canada members apply? Yes! All Women of Asphalt members are welcome to apply. If you do not reside in the Unites States, please select "Other" and specify country for Question 7 on the application.
- Can I get a copy of my application? Yes! At the end of the survey, there’s a checkbox you can select to receive a copy of your submission. Please be sure to check it before submitting, as we’re unable to send copies afterward due to the high volume of applications.
- What's the deadline to apply? All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on September 10, 2025. Late applications cannot be accepted.
- When will I find out if I was selected? All applicants will be notified by October 20, 2025. Please watch your email for updates.
- What if I miss the deadline? Unfortunately, we are unable to accept late applications. We encourage you to join WofA and stay tuned for future opportunities!
- Still having trouble? Contact us at info@womenofasphalt.org
- Make sure you’re a current member on the National Women of Asphalt website to be eligible. Become a member today!
- Want a reminder? Follow us on social @WomenOfAsphalt to get notified as soon as applications go live.
Meet the 2025 Paving Operations Scholarship Recipients
Launched in August, the second annual WofA x Caterpillar Paving Operations Scholarship continues to grow! After receiving 120 applications in just three weeks, we’re thrilled to announce six recipients of the 2025 scholarship.
These women will attend Caterpillar’s Paving Operations School in North Carolina this December to gain hands-on training and experience in paving operations.
2025 Recipients:
- Angelina Maselli – Tilcon (NY)
- Tonette Townsend – Superior Bowen (MO)
- Rebecca Plummer – Duval Asphalt (FL)
- Casey Russo – Young & Sons Asphalt Paving (IN)
- Autumn Cates – Ghilotti Construction (CA)
- Reagan Decker – R.W. Tomlinson (Canada)
A huge thank-you to Caterpillar for their continued partnership and commitment to advancing women in the asphalt industry! 💛
Meet the 2024 Inaugural Scholarship Winners
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Women of Asphalt Scholarship in conjunction with Caterpillar Inc. These incredible women have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their craft and are making waves in the asphalt industry. We are proud to support them on their journey toward further growth and success.
Meet Our 2024 Scholarship Recipients:
Meghan Roy
Paving Laborer, Tilcon Connecticut
Meghan Roy has worked for Tilcon Connecticut for the past three years, starting as a shoveler and progressing to a Shuttle Buggy grounds-person on the Ultra-Thin crew. With a passion for learning about every aspect of asphalt production, Meghan aspires to operate paving equipment and teach others in the industry. As a single mother, she hopes to set a strong example for her son, showing him that hard work and determination pay off. Meghan looks forward to using the scholarship to further her knowledge in paving operations and to inspire the next generation of women in asphalt.
Lilia Yakimyuk
Roller Operator, Lakeside Industries
Lilia Yakimyuk’s journey into the asphalt industry has been marked by resilience and determination. A first-generation American born to Ukrainian immigrants, Lilia overcame significant challenges, including growing up in poverty. She developed her passion for operating heavy machinery while serving in the U.S. Army. Now an apprentice equipment operator in Local 302, Lilia has spent four years excelling in her role, with aspirations to continue learning and growing within the industry. Her experience and dedication make her a standout recipient of this scholarship, and she is excited to continue her path in the asphalt industry.
Caterpillar Inc. has generously provided Meghan and Lilia free registration to the Caterpillar Paving Operations Training, a highly-regarded program designed to enhance paving technique, improve mat quality, and boost profitability. This four-day course includes two hours of classroom instruction each day, followed by six hours of hands-on training at a demo site where participants work with various Cat® pavers and screeds. Women of Asphalt has proudly supported Meghan and Lilia’s professional development by covering all travel-related expenses, ensuring they can fully focus on enhancing their skills and advancing in the industry without the burden of travel costs. This includes airfare, accommodation, transportation, and meals, enabling a seamless and enriching experience. We are incredibly proud of these women and look forward to seeing their continued success and contributions to the asphalt industry. Please join us in congratulating Meghan and Lilia!
