NWIR scholarship opens doors for future roofing leaders

By The Coffee Shops.

Women in roofing can apply to attend the 2027 NWIR Days.  

For roofing contractors, developing future leaders is one of the best investments a company can make. Training programs, industry events and networking opportunities often help employees gain new perspectives and skills that directly benefit the business. The challenge, however, is that conference attendance can be expensive and difficult to prioritize in a busy operation.

That is exactly why the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) NEWS (Network of Educating Women Scholarship) program continues to be such a valuable opportunity for the industry. Designed specifically for women working for roofing contractors who have never attended NWIR Days before, the scholarship helps remove barriers to professional development while encouraging more participation in the roofing community.

More than a conference opportunity

NWIR Days has become one of the roofing industry's premier events for leadership development, education and networking. The 2027 event will take place February 28 through March 1 in Nashville, Tennessee, bringing together roofing professionals from across the country to learn, connect and share experiences.

For many women working at roofing contracting companies, attending an industry event for the first time can be career changing. Exposure to new ideas, conversations with industry leaders and connections with peers often leads to greater confidence, improved leadership skills and a stronger understanding of the business side of roofing. Those benefits frequently extend far beyond the individual attendee, creating value for the contractor that supports their growth and development.

The NEWS Scholarship was specifically created to encourage those first-time experiences. Now celebrating its tenth year, the program focuses on helping contractor employees access professional development opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

What the scholarship covers

One of the most attractive features of the NEWS Scholarship is the financial support it provides. Thanks to sponsor support, NWIR will award two scholarships for 2027. Each recipient receives:

• Complimentary registration to NWIR Days
• Hotel accommodations up to $1,500
• Round-trip airfare up to $800
• Participation in a breakout session planning call with the NWIR Mentorship Committee

Recipients and their employers are responsible for meals, ground transportation and incidental expenses, but the scholarship significantly reduces the overall cost of attending the event.

For roofing companies looking to invest in employee development without absorbing the full cost of travel and registration, the program offers a practical solution.

Why contractors should pay attention

The roofing industry continues to face workforce challenges, making employee engagement and retention more important than ever. Providing team members with opportunities to learn, grow and connect with industry peers demonstrates a commitment to their professional future.

Programs like the NEWS Scholarship align with broader efforts to attract, develop and retain talented professionals within roofing. By encouraging participation in industry organizations and educational events, contractors can help create pathways for future leaders while strengthening the industry as a whole.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be current NWIR members and women working for or employed by a roofing contractor. Participants must also agree to attend NWIR Days educational sessions and events, provide feedback on their experience and, if they are employees rather than owners, obtain approval from their employer to attend.

The application deadline is October 31, 2026. For contractors with team members who have the potential to become future leaders within the company, this scholarship represents a unique opportunity to invest in their development while expanding their involvement in the roofing community.

As the roofing industry continues to evolve, opportunities like the NEWS Scholarship help ensure that talented professionals gain the knowledge, connections and confidence needed to shape its future. For contractors looking to grow their teams from within, encouraging an employee to apply could be a step that benefits both their career and the company for years to come.

Apply for the scholarship!