The Construction Careers Youth Committee (CCYC) was formed in 2006 as a joint effort between Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Construction & Maintenance Education Foundation (CMEF) and Houston Business Roundtable (HBR). The purpose of the CCYC is to promote and support the Construction Industry workforce education training at public schools, to assist students to meet their Construction Industry educational and career goals, and to assist the CMEF with audits and the certification processes for schools participating in the NCCER Contren Learning Series curriculum.
School to Career
Our nationally award-winning School-to-Career program brings the construction industry to Houston-area students of all grade levels from elementary through high school. These students are exposed to the many exciting aspects of construction through classes and events.
Elementary School
Once a year area construction businesses participate in The Block Kids Building Program. This fun event offers fifth graders an opportunity to “build”. While wearing yellow plastic hardhats and competition T-shirts, the competition allows children to express their creativity by building items such as bridges, buildings, and towers.
High School
These training units are partnered with ABC of Greater Houston and its educational affiliate Construction & Maintenance Education Foundation. All schools use the Contren Learning Series Curriculum, which is partnered with NCCER. Through these classes, students get a head start on their craft training, which usually begins in college. With 11 high schools participating, and more to come, Houston-area students are being exposed and recruited into this booming industry!
Participating High Schools
Aldine High School
Aldine Eisenhower High School
Aldine MacArthur High School
Alvin High School
Deer Park High School
Galena Park High School
Galena North Shore High School
Humble High School
Kingwood High School
Pasadena LP Card Skills Center
Pearland High School
Construction Expo
The Construction Expo provides a supportive environment for high school students to be introduced to basic craft skills and to explore opportunities in the construction industry.
· Is a one-of-a-kind event supported by industry which encompasses numerous hands-on activities and events in a safe environment.
· Shares the value of safety and the industry’s commitment to safety.
· Builds awareness of available training and assists students in making informed career and technical education choices.
· Builds positive relationships with high school districts, instructors, and students while opening the doors for on-going mentoring and engagement at the high school level.
Under the leadership of De’Ann Gill with Becon, for two consecutive years over 100 volunteers have dedicated their time and resources to this major event.
Block Kids
The Block Kids Building Program is a national building program competition that is sponsored on the local level by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) members and other organizations.
· The award-winning program introduces children to the construction industry in an effort to create an awareness of and to promote an interest in future careers in one of the many facets of the industry.
· The program is open to all elementary school children in grades 1-6. (Our current focus is on the 5th grade students as they are nearing opportunities for career and technical education training.)
· The competition involves the construction of various structures with interlocking blocks and three of the following additional items: a small rock, string, foil, and poster board.
· Local winners advance to Regional Competitionand one semi-finalist from each region is entered in the National Program competitions.
· National prizes are awarded to the top three projects.
To participate in the Construction Careers Youth Committee (CCYC) or if you are a high school that wants more information on how to become a sponsored training unit contact Steven Horton at s.horton@cmefhouston.org