Partnership for Career Advancement (PCA) Program
Forecasted
Partnership for Career Advancement (PCA) Program supports researchers new to ELECTRI with practical electrical construction research that benefits contractors and builds industry expertise and networks.
Funder: ELECTRI International
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (PCA proposals) | July 2027 (Finalists’ proposals)
Funding Amounts: Up to $30,000 per award for a maximum of one year; no more than two awards
Summary: Supports researchers new to ELECTRI in delivering practical electrical construction research while developing industry expertise and professional networks.
Key Information: Previous PCA recipients and recipients of other ELECTRI-funded programs are ineligible.
Description
ELECTRI International’s Partnership for Career Advancement (PCA) Program builds on its former Early Career Awards program, pairing new research partners with electrical construction industry leaders. It supports researchers who want to broaden their industry knowledge and professional networks while bringing skills that complement the industry’s strengths and address its weaknesses. The intended end product must benefit contractors and other construction sectors while establishing the researcher’s subject-matter expertise.
The 2026 model uses smaller, high-impact assignments rather than one fixed research topic. ELECTRI assigns topics throughout the grant period in response to contractor needs, emerging technologies, and industry trends. Deliverables may include whitepapers, instructional videos, webinars, and other educational materials. Industry mentoring and participation in industry events support the researcher’s development.
