Texas State University undergraduate student Evan Almeida has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 CarbonCure Sustainability in Concrete Scholarship.
Now in its fourth year, the scholarship program awarded $2,000 to each undergraduate in the 2026 cohort, which includes five U.S. students and one Canadian student. Previously limited to students in Concrete Industry Management (CIM) programs, the scholarship has expanded its reach while continuing to recognize future leaders committed to advancing sustainability in the concrete industry.
Almeida is pursuing a degree in Concrete Industry Management at TXST and expects to graduate in May 2027. In his scholarship essay, he acknowledged the scale of the environmental challenges facing the construction sector while emphasizing practical optimism.
“Because concrete is the most commonly used construction material in the world, even small improvements in how it is made and used can have a large positive impact on the environment,” Almeida wrote.
He highlighted the importance of other cement materials and alternative binders, noting that these approaches can “reduce the overall carbon footprint of concrete while often improving durability and long-term performance.” Almeida also underscored durability itself as a key sustainability advantage, writing that “well-designed concrete structures can last for decades or even centuries with minimal maintenance.”
For Almeida, meaningful progress depends on collaboration and thoughtful leadership. He emphasized that advancing sustainability requires “balancing cost, performance and environmental impact” on every project.
TXST’s Concrete Industry Management program prepares students to lead in an evolving construction landscape, equipping them with the technical expertise and business acumen needed to implement innovative and environmentally responsible solutions. Almeida’s recognition reflects both his commitment to the future of sustainable construction and the university’s dedication to developing industry-ready graduates who are prepared to make a lasting impact.