Students at Marian Middle School recently got an inside look at careers in construction, engineering and project management during a classroom visit by professionals from KWAME Building Group.
Originally planned as a construction site visit, the event was moved indoors because of weather. Instead, the presenters brought construction materials, visual demonstrations and examples of projects to help students learn how buildings move from planning to completion.
The visit introduced students to career paths that included engineering, project management and construction operations. Organizers, including the school’s National Society of Black Engineers chapter, said the session gave students an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the day-to-day work involved in the building industry.
Students also learned that all three presenters had participated in NSBE junior programs when they were younger. Organizers said seeing women working in construction, engineering and project management provided examples of career opportunities in fields where women and people of color have historically been underrepresented.
The program was organized in partnership with the Archway (Missouri) chapter of The Links, Inc. Presenters included KWAME employees DeAna Carter, a senior project manager; Makesha Bradford, a project engineer; and Lisa Johnson, a project leader.