The Future is in Your Hands

TXAPA members support the next generation of leaders at Scholarship Night

There is a lot in store for attendees of TXAPA’s 51st Annual Meeting from September 14–17, but one event offers the chance to do good while having a whole lot of fun: Scholarship Night, which features a live auction and subsequent celebration.

Each year, TXAPA members bid on a variety of items with proceeds benefiting TXAPA’s Scholarship Program, which removes financial barriers to education for the next generation of Texas asphalt leaders.

The Scholarship Program aids Texas students who have expressed interest in the asphalt and construction industries, whether through their college major (think construction management and civil engineering) or their summer or part-time employment. Through the scholarship, TXAPA encourages students to explore the world of asphalt pavement and helps to connect recipients to opportunities in the industry.

“It’s slowly changing, but universities don’t focus on asphalt in their engineering programs,” said Emily Adams, TXAPA director of marketing. “This is a way to build awareness and help students expand their educational outlook. It’s focused on growing our industry and giving these students the opportunity to follow their academic goals.

In 2025, TXAPA awarded 47 full scholarships, valued at $10,000 per year, and eight partial scholarships. Full time students are eligible to apply when they reach their sophomore year, receiving funds for up to three years. The impact is significant—$30,000 is no small chunk of change when it comes to today’s tuition costs.

TXAPA members come out in full force to support the program, which was established in 2002, and fundraising efforts have come a long way since then. In its first year, the auction raised some $20,000. When Adams joined TXAPA in 2018, attendees raised more than $300,000 thanks to a $100,000 donation on the night of the auction.

The next year’s president made it his goal to beat the 2018 auction’s numbers, and he did. Almost every year since, TXAPA has exceeded the prior year’s outcomes. In 2025, TXAPA raised $1.1 million for the program, primarily through the auction, but also via the Association’s annual golf tournament and donations made throughout the year.

“Any time you’re participating in a TXAPA event, there’s a pretty good chance proceeds are benefiting our scholarship program,” Adams said.

When the auction closes, TXAPA encourages the audience to contribute more and matches dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000.

This year’s auction will be digital thanks to a donation from Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. Bids and the names of those who make them will appear on a screen to further encourage some friendly competition. The technology will also allow TXAPA to instantly track how much the auction raises. The Scholarship Program is a 501(c)3, so winning bids are tax deductible.

Following the live auction, attendees will slip into their dancing shoes and celebrate the future of the industry with a performance by Shenandoah, the featured entertainment at the Scholarship Night Celebration.