How NAHB's HBCU Student Leadership Program Shaped Their Futures
NAHB launched its Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Student Leadership program in 2023 to help cultivate, educate and inspire the next generation of home building professionals. The goal is also to create a more robust, equitable, diverse and inclusive NAHB student chapters community.
Throughout the last two years, NAHB has welcomed 37 HBCU students for a variety of enriching learning and networking opportunities in Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas.
A pair of program alumni shared to their peers the impact the program has had on their skillsets, careers and outlooks on the residential construction industry.
At the 2025 Black Builder event at the International Builders' Show, North Carolina A&T State University student Malloy Shamwell shares how the HBCU Leadership program has given her support.
HBCU Leadership Program Is a Support System
Malloy Shamwell, a student at North Carolina A&T State University who will soon begin a summer internship with Clark Construction, spoke to a crowd of more than 110 students, mentors and program sponsors about the impact the program has had on her career.
“Within our departments there’s a lot of push for commercial construction, and not a lot of voice for women, black women or women trying to get into the residential field,” said Shamwell, “so this program has given me a platform and given me an amazing support system.”
After her internship, Shamwell is set to attend the University of Virginia to pursue a master’s degree in commerce with a specialized track in management.
Morgan State University student Brittany Holt speaks to room of 110 students, mentors and sponsors about her journey in construction.
HBCU Leadership Program Helped Provide Vision
Brittany Holt, a student at Morgan State University, gave the second cohort some valuable insight as to how to spend their final weeks in the program.
“I was part of cohort 1,” said Holt, “but when I came in last year, I didn’t have the proper questions because I wasn’t sure of where I wanted to go in construction. This year, I was more focused, my vision was there, and I listened to a lot of developers on the showroom floor.
“NAHB has helped me in a huge portion of my vision so now I know what questions to ask and what I need to do to start my journey as a residential developer.”
After graduation, Holt will begin a full-time job at Holder Construction as a field engineer.
Sponsors:
Latest from NAHBNow
IBS
Sep 22, 2026
IBS 2027 Show Home Pursues Ambitious Performance Goals
Performance is playing a central role in the construction of The New American Home 2027, the flagship exhibit of the upcoming International Builders’ Show. From the building envelope to the mechanical systems and solar installation, the project has been designed with lofty energy-efficiency targets in mind.
Associate Members Committee | Workforce Development
Sep 21, 2026
7 Strong Associate Careers to Pursue in Residential Construction
We’re highlighting a few of the construction trades’ strongest-paying Associate jobs and the skills needed to succeed at them during NAHB’s Associate Member Appreciation Month in September.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Sep 18, 2026
State-Level Employment Situation: August 2026
State labor markets showed mixed results in August, with nonfarm payroll employment increasing in a majority of states. At the same time, construction employment posted a net gain nationally, although employment trends varied across states. The unemployment rate also remained relatively low in several states, while D.C. continued to record the nation’s highest rate.
Economics
Sep 17, 2026
Single-Family Starts Rebound but Market Challenges Persist
Single-family housing starts rebounded in August, but production remains down 4.7% year to date as builders contend with rising construction costs, lot and labor shortages, and economic uncertainty.
Economics
Sep 16, 2026
With Inflation Uptick, Fed Hikes and Signals More to Come
The Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points at the conclusion of its September policy meeting, bringing the target range to 3.75% to 4%.