NAHB HBCU Cohort Learns Residential Construction Career Skills

NAHB’s fourth annual Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Student Leadership program held a three-day meeting for networking, professional development and learning in Washington, D.C. to inspire the next generation of home building professionals.

Twenty-one HBCU students from 12 schools across the country participated in the meetings, including:

• Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University
• Atlanta Technical College
• Florida A&M University
• Grambling State University
• Lawson State Community College
• Norfolk State University
• North Carolina A&T University
• Prairie View A&M University
• Southern University A&M College
• Tuskegee University
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore
• Southern University A&M College

Students Set Their Sights on Residential Construction Careers

The week’s events focused on building the students’ breadth of knowledge about the residential construction industry, teaching them how to lead and inspire a team, equipping them with career development resources to succeed, and allowing them space to network with peers and industry professionals.

Activities included:

• Exploring a home building jobsite in Woodbridge, Va., to learn the day-to-day work that goes into a build
• Touring the African American History Museum in Washington, D.C.
• Crafting actionable career plans with help from NAHB Student Chapter Advisory Board Member Dr. Charner Rodgers
• Listening to a panel of two MiTek professionals, Rachel Seward and Lisa Tyree, about embracing identity in the workplace, representation and working as a woman in construction
• Engaging with a panel of NAHB staff about resources available to students, the network of associations eager to help after graduation, and key events including the International Builders’ Show (IBS)
• Unpacking the results of a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test to better understand effective ways to communicate and collaborate in a conversation led by Donna Franza, Sr. Consultant, Advisory Services at NAHB
• Navigating industry trends with help from a panel including Doug Higgins of America’s Home Place and Sherman McCoy of Builders Mutual

"I just want to take as much knowledge as I can from this experience and bring it back to my classmates at school," said Jaina Dotson, a student at Tuskegee University. "I didn’t know anything about the certifications the speakers were talking about and PWBs (Professional Women in Building councils).

"It’s nice to know that there are people who are there who want to reach out and pick us up."

Networking is Key Goal for Success

Students were as eager to hear from experts in the field as they were each other. In three short days, they shared stories of where they’re from, what they want to accomplish in residential construction, and how they hope to achieve it.

"I’m excited for the connections and networking," said Kyla Houston, a student at Prairie View A&M University who wants to give back to her community by working in low-income housing development. "I really enjoy how everyone has their own things they’re striving for, and they’re passionate about what they want to do. I’m excited to see everyone’s growth."

Next Stop: Student Competition

Many of the students are gearing up for the student competition at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, Feb. 1-3. The competition gives construction students the opportunity to apply skills they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world project management proposals which are judged by industry professionals. 

Travel to the 2027 IBS will be generously supported by National Housing Endowment scholarships.

The HBCU Student Leadership program was established in 2023 to equip young adults with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the residential construction industry, ultimately leading to a more diverse and talented workforce.