MISSIONWORKFORCE
No challenge is more critical to the mission of our members than finding ways to overcome chronic construction workforce shortages. That is why we dedicate significant time and resources to educating public officials about how construction labor shortages undermine the broader economy. We also work to serve as the national hub for cataloguing workforce development success stories. And we are pushing Washington to provide short- and long-term workforce solutions for our industry.
INVESTING IN CONSTRUCTION'S FUTURE
In 2025, the AGC Education & Research Foundation awarded a record-breaking $739,125 in scholarships to support the next generation of construction professionals — the largest amount distributed in the Foundation’s history since its establishment, when just $19,000 was awarded in its first year. This total included $633,125 awarded to 152 undergraduate students, $70,000 to 13 graduate students, and $36,000 to 23 students pursuing construction training and accreditation programs.
AGC of America provided financial support and recognition to exceptional AGC Student Chapters across the country. The four winners of the AGC Outstanding Student Chapter contest each received $2,000 to continue their work. The 2025 outstanding student chapters were the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Oklahoma State University, Kansas State University, and California State University, Chico.
CITIZENSHIP PORTAL
AGC of America worked with the National Immigration Foundation to launch a Citizenship Portal for member firms’ employees and their immediate family members. The portal does two things, first, it helps people understand their current legal status and connects them with resources to help attain legal status if they need it. And it provides vital online support for anyone who wants, and is qualified, to become a U.S. citizen as they go through the complicated legal process. The portal serves as an invaluable resource for firms hoping to provide some relief for anxious employees.
PROMOTING BIPARTISANWORKFORCE SOLUTIONS
AGC of America played a key role in promoting, and attracting Congressional sponsors for, two bipartisan legislative proposals that will provide short-term construction workforce relief. The first measure is the Dignity Act, which provides a more permanent legal status for individuals working in the country as part of the Temporary Protected Status, Dreamers or asylum process. The measure also provides a pathway for some undocumented workers to become lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. The second measure is the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement, which would create a visa program dedicated to craft fields like construction. AGC helped attract bipartisan support for both measures in2025 and is working to build additional support in 2026.
See How AGC is Putting a Spotlight on Workforce Solutions
BRINGING TOGETHER RECORD NUMBER OF PEOPLE TO SHARE WORKFORCE & HR SUCCESS STORIES, CRAFT NEW IDEAS
AGC brought together a record number of construction professionals involved in workforce development and HR, as well as chapter workforce staff and construction educators for its annual Construction Workforce & HR Conference.
Attendees heard from dozens of successful workforce development and HR success stories, helped craft new workforce development ideas and learned that they are not alone facing these challenges. AGC catalogued the various success stories and new ideas featured at the conference and will send those to all members in early 2026.
HELPING FIRMS PREPARE FOR ENHANCED IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS
AGC of America developed and shared a host of resources with members to help them prepare for the expected surge in immigration enforcement in 2025. This includes running a comprehensive series of webinars on what to do when ICE arrives at your job site. We also shared additional resources with members via our new WorkforceDoneRight.Org online resource center. The content is designed to help members understand their responsibilities and rights during potential enforcement efforts and provide resources to their teams to help them during any kind of enforcement activity.
ADVANCING THE CULTURE OF CARE
Culture of CARE remaining a defining pillar of AGC of America’s work in 2025. The program helps members create more inclusive and supportive workplaces to better attract and retain workers. AGC’s Culture of CARE program released an updated Business Case for Inclusion and Belonging Report. The report provides chapters and member companies with data-driven insights and practical tools to improve their workplace cultures. AGC also launched a new Culture of CARE Award last year that recognizes member firms for the work they are doing to improve their cultures. By the end of 2025, 1,041 companies have taken the Culture of CARE pledge, up 5 percent from 2024.
