Congratulations to Will Pedersen on receiving the Finding Your GreatFuture Scholarship at MCAA26 during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast on March 18th.

MCAA has established a $5,000 scholarship to academically assist a student as they pursue finding their “GreatFuture” in the mechanical contracting industry. There’s a place for everyone in mechanical and MCAA is committed to developing programming and resources for the next generation of industry leaders ready to find their future employment home. The recipient of this scholarship should prove a strong understanding of the variety of career path opportunities available, as demonstrated by a previous exploration of internship programs with mechanical contracting companies.

Earlier this month, Will graduated from California State University, Chico with a degree in construction management. He has been a member of his student chapter since 2024 and has served as the chapter’s vice president. This summer, he will start his full-time position with MCAA Member, Frank M. Booth. Will previously interned with Frank M. Booth, Southland Industries, and a heavy civil contractor.

"My involvement with MCAA has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my college experience. As the vice president of the Chico State MCAA Student Chapter, I’ve had the opportunity to grow as both a leader and a teammate.

"Participating and placing second in both the 2024–2025 and 2025-2026 MCAA Student Chapter Competitions was an incredible learning experience that strengthened my technical knowledge, communication skills, and understanding of real-world project delivery. Through MCAA, I’ve built lasting relationships with professionals from companies like Southland Industries, ACCO Engineered Systems, Frank M. Booth, Performance Mechanical Inc., and more. Attending national events such as the MCAA National Convention in Austin and in Phoenix and the MCAA GreatFutures Forum in Salt Lake City allowed me to connect with inspiring industry leaders and students who share my passion for the mechanical industry.

"What drew me most to mechanical construction was the strong blend of technical complexity and hands-on problem solving. I enjoy diving into the engineering side of the industry and understanding how systems work together to make a building function efficiently. The mechanical trade requires a level of precision and coordination that I find both challenging and rewarding. I also appreciate that, unlike a general contractor who oversees multiple broad scopes, I can develop a deep, specialized understanding within one discipline— allowing me to become a more effective and knowledgeable project manager. Beyond the technical side, I’ve met incredible people in this industry who are passionate about innovation, teamwork, and craftsmanship. That combination of engineering depth, practical execution, and community is what made mechanical construction so appealing to me.”