NAHB Grants Fuel Hands-On Learning for Future Builders
Each October, the home building industry celebrates Careers in Construction Month, a time to recognize the professionals in the field and spotlight opportunities available for the next generation. This is the second story in a weekly series highlighting the month.
Across the country, NAHB’s Boys & Girls Club partnership funding — available through Career Connection at the National Housing Endowment — has helped local HBAs introduce young people to careers in the trades. Recently, it’s helped spark interest in residential construction among students in Missouri and Alabama.
From planning and approvals to recruiting volunteers and securing donated materials, the HBA of Greater Springfield (Mo.) and the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders (Ala.) found ways to make the most of grant funding and community partnerships. Their experiences offer a roadmap for other associations interested in connecting students to careers in construction.
Picnic Tables Connect Missouri Teens to Trades
Looking to connect local students with real-world construction experience, the HBA of Greater Springfield (HBA Springfield) organized a three-day picnic table building project this summer for teens from three Boys & Girls Club locations.
In January, Executive Officer Laurie Soulsby connected with NAHB and identified the Boys & Girls Clubs as a perfect opportunity for local workforce development training. Armed with NAHB grant funding, she approached the club, which quickly agreed to partner. They reviewed NAHB’s ready-made lesson plans and targeted teens aged 15-18 for the picnic tables.
Each day, three groups of two volunteers with six students used NAHB’s Picnic Table Build Guide to assemble the tables. New volunteers rotated in daily and guided students from 10 a.m. to noon before eating lunch together. Nineteen HBA Springfield members volunteered by leading student groups and providing the necessary tools.
“They see the need for workforce development,” Soulsby said. “They see the value of being in front of these young people because these young people can relate to them.”
A local lumber company donated materials and pre-cut the boards, allowing the grant to primarily cover lunch for the students. Looking ahead, Soulsby has submitted two grant applications to expand the program through NAHB’s partnership with McAllister & Quinn.
“The biggest takeaway is to use NAHB resources,” Soulsby said. “There’s no need to reinvent the wheel.”
Alabama Students Build Shed for Arts and Crafts
The Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders (GBAHB) partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama for hands-on summer educational programming.
Fueled by the NAHB grant, GBAHB members and students are building a shed on-site at the club to create additional outdoor space for arts and crafts.
GBAHB Executive Officer Hope Watwood said determining what to build was important for the project to make the greatest impact.
“It took time and four members to really figure out what the Boys & Girls Club needed,” Watwood said. “You just have to find the right member who has a passion for helping.”
The project began in February, and about 15-20 GBAHBA members volunteered by teaching and working alongside the students. Except electrical work, students have been involved in every stage of construction, from laying flooring and hanging drywall to finishing touches like painting.
"The kids have been a part of everything we’ve done,” Watwood said. “Everything they could physically do, they’ve done. Their hands have been in the concrete.”
Local companies also became involved in the project, allowing much of the NAHB grant to address hiring specific contractors when needed. A concrete company donated material and laid the shed’s foundation, and a lumber company donated wood and building supplies.
“Our members care,” Watwood said. “They want to see the community succeed, and they want to see our trades taken care of.”
Taking it Local
NAHB has many resources available if you’re interested in creating a similar event in your area. First, explore the Career Connection program and contact your local Boys & Girls Club now to get ready to apply for the next round of funding. Review NAHB’s Boys & Girls Club Partnership Toolkit and Overview for more information about engaging with your local Boys & Girls Club as you prepare your submission.
