The Jump Start Award is an initiative of UDig NY’s eight regional Damage Prevention Councils (DPCs). The award includes recognition of a student’s commitment to safety and ambition to work in the construction or excavation field and a monetary award of $500.
At least one $500 award is available in each of UDig NY’s eight DPC regions (see map), and additional awards may be available depending on funding. Graduating BOCES, trade school, technical school, and high school students are eligible to win the award in the DPC region in which they reside.
The deadline to submit Jump Start Award applications is Friday, March 6, 2026. Applications must be fully completed and submitted by this date to be considered. Submissions received after the deadline will not be accepted.
Application Instructions
1. Complete UDig NY’s free BOCES Certified Excavator program
2. On the application, enter the required information about yourself and your school or BOCES program.
3. Tell us in a minimum 500 characters why you are pursuing a career in excavation or construction and why safety on the job is important to you. Please make sure that your response answers both parts of the question. If possible, use personal examples.
