HBAs Step Up Summer Career Exploration Programs
This post has been updated.
This year, NAHB’s Boys & Girls Club partnership has helped match local clubs and home builder associations to promote residential construction career pathways and connect young people to the industry. HBA and member leaders are taking advantage of the summer months to lead entertaining and educational workforce development programs for students.
Fun-Filled Activities in North Dakota
The Home Builders Care of Fargo-Moorhead Foundation, the charitable arm of the BIA of the Red River Valley (Fargo, N.D.), developed an enriching lineup of activities for their local Boys & Girls Club this summer. The BIA hosted a Bird Feeder Construction Day on July 11 for 3rd to 5th graders. Lowes provided materials for the project and more than 50 BIA volunteers participated in the event. The Foundation has a new home construction tour scheduled for middle and high school students in August.
Construction Introduction Projects in Iowa
The Ames (Iowa) Home Builders Association led a wood vase construction activity on June 17 at the local Boys & Girls Club. Members generously donated materials and their time, which resulted in a successful career exploration day. More than a dozen 3rd to 8th grade students participated. The association plans to host education sessions in the fall the students to introduce them to construction.
Meeting Industry Professionals in New Jersey
To kick off the summer, members of the Shore Builders Association of Central New Jersey (Lakewood, N.J.) invited a group of students from their local Boys & Girls Club to the Ocean County Construction Trades Career Expo held at a local vocational school on May 15. The students met with residential construction industry employers, including several of the association’s member companies, to learn about the trades and job opportunities. View photos of the event.
To learn more about how to get connected to your local club and kick start workforce development activities in your community, contact Greg Zick.

Members from the Ames (Iowa) HBA led a wood vase construction activity for the local Boys & Girls Club.
Latest from NAHBNow
Jul 11, 2025
Maine HBA Brings Real-World Training to State’s Future BuildersRecognizing an aging workforce and a critical need for new talent, the Association has partnered with the Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) to prepare the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Through HBA-led instruction, high-school students are building homes from the ground up and gaining real-world experience.
Jul 10, 2025
What to Know About Expiring Energy Tax CreditsPresident Trump recently signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law, which significantly accelerates the termination date for federal energy tax incentives. Builders and remodelers using the credits should be aware of the new expiration dates and where necessary, consult with their tax professional for additional guidance.
Latest Economic News
Jul 11, 2025
Shrinking Lots: Spec Building New NormThe share of smaller lots remained record high in 2024, with two out of three new single-family detached homes sold occupying lots under 9,000 square feet (1/5 of an acre or less).
Jul 10, 2025
Remodeling Market Sentiment Dips in Second QuarterIn the second quarter of 2025, the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 59, down four points compared to the previous quarter.
Jul 09, 2025
Mortgage Applications Picked Up in June as Rates EasedMortgage application activity picked up in June, supported by a slight decline in interest rates. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, which tracks mortgage application volume, rose 5.4% from May on a seasonally adjusted basis. Compared to June 2024, total applications were up 21.1%.