The Deep Foundations Institute's Educational Trust has started three scholarship programs to foster the next generation of civil engineering and construction professionals.

The Manuel Fine Civil Engineering Scholarship draws startup funding from a $25,000 donation by the Heavy Construction Association of Ontario. It will benefit civil engineering students at Canadian universities, Its namesake held many roles at the DFI over 24 years, including executive director and president, as well as managing editor of Deep Foundations magazine.

Patrick Bermingham of Bermingham Foundation Solutions, who serves as vice president of the group's board of trustees, will lead fundraising efforts.

Case Foundation Company committed $10,000 over 10 years for the John O'Malley Scholarship Fund, which honors a past chairman of the company. Heading forward, fundraisers hope to raise $250,000 for an endowment that will provide a $10,000 scholarship each year for students pursuing careers in the deep foundations industry who demonstrate financial need.

 Francis Gularte Scholarship Fund honors a long-time Hayward Baker executive. It was established through combined efforts of the company and John Wolosick, who serves as treasurer of both the DFI and the Education Trust. Donations of $10,000 from Haward Baker and $15,000 from Gularte started the fund on its endowment goal of $75,000. Wolosick is leading fundraising.

The DFI Educational Trust serves as the group's charitable arm with the goal of supporting students pursuing careers in the foundations sector. It offers financial help and gives students a chance to build working relationships with established professionals. For details, visit www.trust.dfi.org.

The DFI is an international association of contractors, engineers, academics and suppliers in the deep foundations industry with more than 3,300 members worldwide. For more information about the Deep Foundations Institute, visit www.dfi.org.