Student Programs

Jump Start Award

Encouraging the Next Generation of Safe Excavators

The UDig NY Jump Start Award is a part of the Damage Prevention Councils’ efforts to promote safety and encourage interest in the construction and excavation industries. The award provides recognition and a monetary award to a BOCES, trade school or high school student who has demonstrated a commitment to safety in the excavation or construction fields.

Students applying for the award are asked to complete UDig NY’s Certified Excavator in Safe Digging Best Practices (CEP) program, available to them for free through UDig NY’s BOCES CEP program. Students are also required to write and submit personal narrative essays regarding their future in the excavation industry, including the importance of safety.

The Jump Start Award will be available in all eight of UDig NY’s Damage Prevention Council regions.

The 2024 application period for the Jump Start Award is now closed.