Give to the Wharton-Smith Endowed Scholarship

What began in 1984 as a leap of faith for two friends from Ohio has grown into one of Central Florida’s largest general contractor and construction management firms. George Smith and Bill Wharton met in 1966 during their tenure at a construction company in Ohio. The company opened a Florida office in 1975, bringing George and Bill to Central Florida. When the company announced they were moving back to Ohio, George and Bill made an offer to take over the firm’s unfinished Florida work. So, with just a handful of employees, Wharton-Smith was incorporated on April 2, 1984.  According to the Engineering News Record (ENR),  Wharton-Smith ranks 151st in the ENR Top 400 contractors in the United States.  

Part of their mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of those in the communities where we live and work. To prepare our next generation of construction leaders, Wharton-Smith established this scholarship to provide tuition and book assistance to students pursuing a degree in construction as well as sponsor Seminole State's construction program. 

Success Stories

Mauresha Atkins

Mauresha is passionate about design, interiors, and construction, and she brings that passion into everything she does. Atkins is a young mother and decided to continue her education to further her knowledge and skills. Her goal is to enter the workforce confidently and she believes that will be due to the education and experience received at Seminole State College.

"I am sincerely honored to have been selected as the recipient of the Wharton-Smith Scholarship. Thank you for your generosity, which has allowed me to further my education." - Mauresha Atkins