DVBA’s Introduction to Construction at the Boys & Girls Club

HBA: Desert Valley’s Builders Association

Category: HBA Operations

Location: Palm Springs, Calif.

Size: less than 200 members

Year: 2024

The Desert Valley’s Builders Association (DVBA)’s Intro to Construction with Boys & Girls Club- Cathedral City program aimed to expose elementary and middle school students to the world of construction and its tools through hands-on activities, such as building birdhouses and cornhole boards. The initiative targeted the Coachella Valley’s ongoing construction labor shortage by introducing youth to a variety of career paths within the industry. For many of the students, it was their first time holding a tool, and the experience sparked an interest in pursuing careers in trades, such as carpentry, plumbing and construction management, without the burden of advanced education or debt. By collaborating with DVBA and PWB Council members, the project utilized donated materials, tools and labor to complete more than 75 birdhouses and 16 cornhole boards, leaving a lasting impact on the youth and the facility. The program also provided career literature and a $250 donation to support initiatives at the Boys & Girls Club.

The success of the program not only provided hands-on learning but also inspired pride in craftsmanship and team building. By teaching students basic skills like using tools, following blueprints and working collaboratively, the program aimed to foster a connection to the trades. Additionally, the project set the foundation for continued engagement with career technical schools and future workforce development in construction, with plans for expanding the initiative to other Boys & Girls Club locations in 2025. The program’s outcome reinforced the value of trade-based careers, offering youth alternative paths to a sustainable, living-wage career in the construction industry.