Students from the KidsMatter SpringBoard Summer Series hold up their certificates of completion! Also pictured in front row, Sherilyn Hebel, Director of Programs, KidsMatter; PowerForward DuPage Executive Director Karyn M. Charvat; Mikel Mays, Assistant Project & Business Development Manager, Bulley & Andrews
Recognized as Naperville’s proactive, youth-oriented human service organization, KidsMatter is working to help young people build developmental assets including positive values, healthy relationships, and self-esteem. And we recently joined forces with them on a new initiative through their SpringBoard Summer Series; a class for students interested in construction management and the trades!
In addition to course work provided through the College of DuPage, PowerForward DuPage offered a unique twist to the program by offering weekly in-person field experiences from 8am – 12pm. Every Thursday, students would meet at PowerForward DuPage, hear about where they would be going for that day’s experience, and would then board a transport bus to a different trade affiliate.
During these field experiences, students had the opportunity to visit with and learn more about:
- DuPage JATC and Local 701
- Local 502 Cement Masons
- Local 63 Ironworkers
- SMART Local 265
- Laborers Local 68 and Chicagoland LiUNA
The students were treated to special presentations from NICOR and Sunbelt Rentals. They also had an opportunity to visit an active construction site in Downers Grove, IL coordinated by Bulley & Andrews. Thank you to all who participated and supported this program!
