The , managed by the ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú Education and Research Foundation, is dedicated to identifying, recognizing, and rewarding the construction industry's most influential builders. Candidates are those individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, fortitude, skill, and stewardship in an on-the-job capacity to ensure project goals were achieved in constructing America's most essential infrastructure — the leaders with boots on the ground, who, day in and day out, managed that critical construction project from planning through execution. In today’s great builders, we see state-of-the-art engineering, never-before-seen construction methods, leader-management at the forefront, and a deep commitment to service to the community. The Bowen Prize seeks to recognize those builders who are most responsible for extraordinary contributions to the built environment.
Application Process
The application is open and will close Nov. 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT). There is a $400 application fee. All applicants must be an ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú member. Award rules and requirements can be found here. Interested applicants can
Judging
Applicants will be judged on the following:
- Customer service
- Leadership and team building
- State-of-the-art construction methods
- Stewardship
- Jobsite safety
- Importance to the community
Judges will determine the winner by December 31, 2026. All applicants will be notified, and winners will be invited to attend the ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú Annual Convention for formal recognition.
Prizes
A $50,000 award will be granted to support construction education. The winner will choose the construction education program they wish to support. Eligible programs include any at the university or community college level, construction scholarships, Construction Technology Education programs, NCCER programs, and similar initiatives. Approved programs must support construction education and be accredited or recognized by one of the following:
- ABET
- ACCE (accredited or non-degree recognized)
- ATMAE (specific programs-only, contact amy.good@atmae.org to verify)
- COE
- ANSI
- IACET
- NCCER
- Registered apprenticeship program (federal or state registered)
- Other programs as approved by the ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú Education and Research Foundation (contact paige.packard@agc.org with any questions).
Organizations receiving Bowen Prize funds agree to provide brief progress updates to the ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú Education and Research Foundation regarding the use and impact of the award. Updates will be requested approximately six (6) months and twelve (12) months following distribution of the funds and should include information on how the funds were utilized, outcomes achieved, and any measurable impact on construction education or workforce development initiatives supported by the award.
ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú will celebrate the winners by publishing (e.g. Constructor Magazine, press release, etc.) information that can be added to their chapter and/or company’s website after the announcement at the ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú annual convention.
2026 Award Winner
Cass Sobek, Kiewit Infrastructure South Co.
Cass Sobek of Kiewit earned the 2026 Bowen Prize for Great Builders for his leadership of the 30 Crossing Project, directing a $50,000 educational gift to the Arkansas Construction Education Foundation's workforce training campus.