‘I Built This Event’ to Take Place at SLU
09/22/2023
Saint Louis University will be part of a three-day ConstructReach event.
ConstructReach, a construction industry workforce development initiative and consultancy, will host a three-day event titled “Show Me Progress.” The event kicks off Monday, Sept. 25. The event will be two-fold, beginning with an industry roundtable discussion on issues surrounding diversity, equity, and the trajectory of the industry. The second part of the event, featuring ConstructReach’s “I built this! ” initiative, will take place on SLU’s campus and aims to introduce local youth to sustainable career opportunities within construction and manufacturing.
The “I built this event” will be on Tuesday, Sept. 26, and Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Marie Curie parking lot, located on Saint Louis University’s South Campus. The event invites hundreds of high school students aged 16-18 years from neighboring school districts to learn more about the construction and manufacturing industry and participate in hands-on activities related to carpentry, fixturing, design and technology, mechanical, and plumbing.
“I am excited about the upcoming ‘I built this!’ program.,” said Jeffrey Jackson, Ph.D., Associate Provost for Career Services. “ It introduces local high school students from low-income families to construction industry career pathways and brings together educational and business leaders to discuss workable options to engage them with training opportunities. Having the chance to collaborate and host Mr. Paul C. Robinson (President, ConstructReach) and his program ‘I built this!’ on campus is a wonderful example of Saint Louis University’s commitment to service, social justice, and inclusivity of marginalized populations.”
Students will also be able to connect with general contractors and other industry professionals to discuss internships, career opportunities, and scholarships. Now in its fifth year, ConstructReach’s IBT initiative has been hosted in cities across the country, including Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Kansas City, and Detroit.