Let's Build a Future For Women in AEC

Contributed by Jon Lattin

Let’s Build…
Awareness,
Knowledge,
Confidence,
Opportunities,
Superheroes,
The Future!
 
“Let’s Build Careers! We need all hands on deck, and that means clearing hurdles for women and girls as they navigate careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.” Michelle Obama (at the National Science Foundation Family-Friendly Policy Rollout September 26, 2011)
 
With less than 10% of the construction workforce comprised of women, and construction related jobs on the rise, now is the time to take action.  Last summer I was reading an article about women in construction and it talked about an innovative camp that trained high school girls in the construction trades.  The ultimate goal of these camps is to introduce young girls to the construction opportunities in front of them.  Having young daughters of my own, this inspired me to work with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter of CSI and the Eastern PA Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) to start our own camp. 
 
“The future belongs to those that believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt
 
With over 30 committee members that span the Lehigh Valley construction community, we are hosting the inaugural Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls in June.  From our research, the other camps of this kind seemed to be only trades based.  However we are CSI, so we made the decision to include all aspects of the AEC industry.  The Let's Build Construction Camp is a free week-long camp for girls aged 14-18 to explore the construction trades, architecture, engineering, and construction manufacturing through hands on experiences and field trips.  (editor: for a sample preliminary schedule, please click here)  
 
“Motivation is what gets you started. Commitment is what keeps you going.”
 
This endeavor has been one of the most rewarding experiences that I have ever participated in.  The Let’s Build planning committee exceeds 30 professionals from all over the AEC spectrum, with 75% of the committee being women.  From project managers to architects, building manufacturers to subcontractors, and from educators to general contractors.  Everyone involved with Let’s Build is passionate about making this camp a success and committed to making this the most rewarding experience for twenty lucky girls this summer. 
 
To learn more about the Let’s Build camp, please visit www.letsbuildcamp.com.  As of Friday, May 19th, the new application deadline is now Friday, June 2nd and only 20 Applicants will be selected.  The application consists of contact information, a detailed statement why the applicant wants to be a part of this camp, and at least one letter of reference​.

After this great event, we look forward to reporting back on our successes in July, so stay tuned!  We'll let you know about the activities, successes and lessons learned.  Maybe we can get CSI Chapters across the country to pick up this charge and host similar events?!

(Editor's Note from 7/18/17: To read the follow up post, 'Let's Build Life Skills', please click here.