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.
Ready to Apply?
Applications for the 2026 Jump Start Award are now open. Trade school and BOCES students across New York State can submit online.
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.
