AGC LAUNCHES NATIONAL AWARDS PROGRAM TO RECOGNIZE INDUSTRY LEADERS IN INCLUSION AND BELONGING
CULTURE OF CARE IMPACT AWARDS
September 1, 2025
Earlier this year, AGC of America launched a new awards program designed to recognize firms that are creating workplaces that help them, attract, retain and empower their talent. Firms can apply for these new awards, known as the Culture of CARE Impact Awards, through Monday, October 27, 2025, and the inaugural winners will be announced during the 2026 AGC of America Annual Convention.
This new awards program, which is replacing the AGC Diversity & Inclusion Awards, aligns with AGC’s Culture of CARE program. By anchoring the awards in the four pillars of the Culture of CARE pledge – Commit, Attract, Retain, and Empower – this new awards program celebrates firms that are not only talking about creating inclusive work environments, but actually creating the kind of worksites that are attractive, supportive and successful. This is important, as the industry continues to face workforce shortages and retention challenges, building a culture where people want to stay and grow in their careers is essential.
The program features four targeted award categories:
- Commitment to CARE Award: Recognizes companies whose leadership has demonstrated a visible, sustained commitment to building a culture of inclusion and psychological safety.
- Attracting Talent Award: Honors firms that are expanding their talent pipeline through inclusive recruiting strategies, community partnerships, and outreach to underrepresented populations.
- Retention and Belonging Award: Highlights firms that foster workplace cultures where all individuals, and especially those working on job sites, feel connected, respected, and valued.
- Employee Empowerment Award: Celebrates companies that intentionally cultivate a culture where every worker across job roles, backgrounds, and career stages, is empowered to contribute, develop, and lead.
Applicants may apply in one or more categories. A Culture of CARE Champion of the Year will also be selected from among the top scoring companies that best demonstrate a holistic, integrated, and sustained commitment extending the Culture of CARE principles beyond their internal workplace to influence their industry, partners, and communities.
“This awards program is about real, measurable efforts that improve jobsite culture, strengthen teams, and open doors to opportunity. These awards shine a spotlight on companies that are showing our industry what’s possible when CARE becomes part of the culture—not just a one-time initiative. And the awards get to the heart of one of the industry’s biggest challenges, finding new and innovative ways to overcome workforce shortages,” said Jolsna Thomas, Chair of the AGC Culture of CARE Committee
Award submissions will be evaluated based on demonstrated action, measurable impact, and the degree to which efforts are embedded throughout the company’s culture and operations. Winners will be honored at the 2026 AGC Annual Convention, taking place in Orlando between March 24 to 26, and the association will share the lessons the winning firms have learned with members across the nation.
“The Culture of CARE Impact Awards honor the companies that are not just building projects, but building people, teams, and futures where everyone belongs,” Thomas added.
Firms wishing to apply must first complete the AGC Culture of CARE pledge (www.buildculture.org/commit). For full eligibility guidelines and application materials, visit www.buildculture.org/awards. The deadline to apply is Monday, October 27, 2025.