As our DBIA Membership continues to foster innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the construction industry, it's crucial to recognize the importance of nurturing the next generation of builders, designers, and tradespeople. That's why we want to spotlight the impactful work of the Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEFoundation) and invite you to support their mission.
About the CIEFoundation
The CIEFoundation is dedicated to developing construction, design, and trade professionals through various educational initiatives, mentoring programs, and training activities.
One of its flagship endeavors is the annual Design Build Competition, which provides high school students with a hands-on learning experience like no other. During this four-month program, participating teams are tasked with designing and constructing a 96-square-foot structure, adhering to specific criteria outlined by the CIEFoundation. This isn't just about building structures; it's about instilling valuable skills in project management, teamwork, and problem-solving. The culmination of the competition sees these young builders showcasing their creations over a two-day event, where industry professionals judge them on various aspects, including design, construction, code compliance, and safety.
What's truly remarkable is the purpose-driven nature of this competition. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to emphasize building with a purpose. Teams donate their structures to local nonprofits or sell them to fund meaningful causes in their communities, making a tangible difference beyond the construction site.
Ways to Get Involved
1) Attend the DFW Design Build Competition Industry Lunch
Join fellow AEC industry members and competition participants on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Collin College Technical Campus in Allen, TX for an enriching event celebrating workforce development and student achievement. Click on the flyer below to learn more.
Registration is complimentary but required by April 11. You can register at theindustrylunch.com.
2) Become a Sponsor of the DFW Competition
The DFW Design Build Competition, which takes place April 24 - 25 at Collin College Technical Campus in Allen, TX, still seeks sponsors to underwrite this student builder event. Various sponsorship levels are available, ranging from $500 to $5,000. Contact Brittany Albaugh at balbaugh@cie.foundation for more details or refer to the attached flyer.
3) Judge the DFW Design Build Competiton
The April 24-25 DFW Design Build Competition is still seeking judges for the competition with experience in Safety, Building Code, Construction, and Construction Management. If you or a colleague are interested in serving in one of these roles, please sign up via the spreadsheet HERE. Contact Brittany Albaugh at balbaugh@cie.foundation for more details
4) Join the Board of Directors in DFW, Houston, or Central Texas
The CIE Foundation is actively seeking industry leaders to join its boards in DFW and Houston and is also establishing a San Antonio/Austin Chapter. Your expertise and guidance can be pivotal in shaping the future of construction education and workforce development. Refer to the attached flyer, or contact Brittany Albaugh at balbaugh@cie.foundation for more details.
Let's Build a Brighter Future Together
By getting involved with the CIEFoundation, you're investing in the future of our industry and empowering the next generation of builders to reach new heights of success. Let's unite in our support of educational initiatives that lay the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant construction community.
