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.
This spring, we have experienced a high level of demand for the in-person version of the BOCES/Trade School CEP from schools across Upstate New York. In order to allow our team to accommodate as many requests for this important safety training as possible, the deadline to submit applications for the Jump Start Award has been extended to 5:00pm on Friday, March 14, 2025.
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 250 words or less why you are pursuing a career in excavation or construction and why safety on the job is important to you