SCHOLARSHIPS
The ACPA's Research & Education Foundation
Besser and Mel Marshall Scholarships
The Besser & Mel Marshall Scholarships are up to three $3,500 college scholarships that are awarded to students whose course of study is related to concrete pipe production, application / installation or research. Any and all students who attend (or plan to attend) a technical program, community college, or university (undergraduate or graduate program) are encouraged to apply.
The Besser & Mel Marshall Scholarship programs are intended to help attract and/or retain students who will make a positive impact on the concrete pipe industry.
About the Scholarships
Besser Scholarship
In 2016 the Besser Scholarship was established in recognition of the American Concrete Pipe Association’s annual National Concrete Pipe Week. The employee-owners of Besser Company established the scholarship, with the ACPA Foundation, to invest in talented and energetic students that have an interest in joining our industry and moving it forward.The Besser Scholarship is a tribute to Jesse Besser, Jon Dannenberg, Joe Pelchat and countless others who embraced training and education as pillars of Besser Company. Through their foresight, ingenuity, dedication and leadership Besser Company earned an industry-wide reputation for providing impactful training during Pipe Schools held in Sioux City, Iowa, onsite courses in producers’ facilities and as part of ACPA’s annual Pipe School. Besser staff train and educate hundreds of industry members annually about the production of concrete pipe, box culverts and all shapes of dry cast and wet cast products, mix designs, machine operation and maintenance and curing.
Mel Marshall Scholarship
The Mel Marshall Scholarship was established in 2023 as a tribute to the legacy of the industry icon Mel Marshall. The primary objective is to honor Mel Marshall unwavering commitment to teaching and advancing knowledge within the concrete pipe industry. By creating this scholarship, ACPAs Foundation aims to ensure the continuation of Mel's impact, both personally and professionally, on the ongoing growth and development of the concrete pipe industry.When are applications due?
The scholarship must be submitted by 11:59 pm CT on November 15th, 2025.
How can a student apply?
Application forms for the 2025 scholarship can be accessed by clicking the button below. Applications are due by November 15th, 2025. The committee will review applications and award the scholarship at the 2026 ACPA Pipe School being held in February 9th - 12th, 2026, in Kansas City, MO.
About Besser Company
Besser is headquartered in Alpena, Michigan and has locations in Boone and Sioux City, Iowa, Compton, California and Montreal, Canada. Besser equipment is operating in more than 130 countries worldwide. The company supplies complete manufacturing systems for the pipe, precast, masonry, hardscape and ready-mix segments of the industry. In addition, Besser manufactures curing systems for all segments of the concrete industry. The company manufacturers parts, provides service and offers training from manufacturing locations staffed with Sales and Technical Service Representatives throughout the world.
About Mel Marshall
Mel Marshall, a graduate of the University of Alberta in 1960 with a degree in Civil Engineering, brought a wealth of experience from his extensive involvement in the concrete and steel industries. In 1980, he founded Mel C. Marshall Industrial Consultants Inc., a consulting company dedicated to serving the concrete industry.
Mel's contributions spanned over 60 years in the concrete pipe and precast industries. His influence extended to participation in committees of Standards Associations such as ASTM and CSA, showcasing his commitment to upholding industry standards. The scholarship, bearing his name, serves as a living tribute to Mel Marshall's enduring impact on the concrete industry.