NCPFC is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Stephen Gerard Thompson Scholarship. Each of these five students received a $5,000 individual scholarship in support of their education and career development.

About the Scholarship

Honoring a leader in the Bay Area painting industry

The Stephen Gerard Thompson Scholarship Program was established in 2017 in honor of Stephen Gerard Thompson, who served as an NCPFC Board member and a painting industry leader in the San Francisco Bay Area region.

Each year, Northern California Painting and Finishing Contractors (NCPFC) awards $5,000 in individual scholarships to support education and training that contributes to improving business conditions within the painting and finishing industry. This includes developing a skilled workforce and advancing knowledge in areas such as productivity, safety, project management, estimating, and overall business operations.

Who's Eligible
Applicants must:

1. Be currently employed in, or demonstrate a clear connection to, the painting and finishing industry or related construction fields.
2. Be enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, an eligible educational institution.
3. Be pursuing coursework or training that supports career development, skill-building, or advancement relevant to the painting, finishing, or construction industry, or to business operations that support the construction industry.

An eligible educational institution is a college, university, trade school, or other post-secondary institution that participates in federal student aid programs.

Scholarship funds are paid directly to the recipient's institution and must be used for qualified educational expenses — tuition, required fees, and required books, supplies, or equipment. Recipients must provide proof of enrollment prior to disbursement.