Investing in Students, Strengthening Kansas City’s Economy

Parade of Playhouses and KC MADE Winners Announced

Every home built, every neighborhood revitalized, every business expansion in Kansas City depends on one essential resource: skilled workers. As the region continues to grow, so does the demand for carpenters, electricians and construction professionals who can turn blueprints into reality.

With more than 100,000 open jobs in residential construction nationwide and about 20,000 openings in the Kansas City area, Foundations for the Future Week is more than a showcase of student talent. It’s a strategic investment in the workforce that keeps Kansas City’s economy moving.

Hosted by Science City and the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (KCHBA), the annual event highlights the students who will soon fill critical roles in construction and manufacturing. Their projects represent more than creativity and craftsmanship; they represent the future capacity of an industry that fuels local development, supports small businesses and anchors middle‑class careers.

Playhouses That Reflect a Growing Workforce Pipeline

In Haverty Family Yards, 13 children’s playhouses formed one of the largest Parade of Playhouses the event has ever hosted. Each structure represents weeks of planning, measuring, troubleshooting and teamwork.

Playhouses were judged by a panel of industry stakeholders. The winning schools are as follows:

• Best in Innovation — Excelsior Springs Area Career Center (Castle)
• Best in Craftsmanship — Basehor Linwood High School (Fire station with pole and slide)
• Best in Distinctive Plan + Design — Olathe Public Schools Construction Technology Academy (Pool House)
• Parade of Playhouses Pick of the Parade Winner— Olathe Public Schools Construction Technology Academy (Pool House)
• Parade of Playhouses Pick of the Parade Runner-Up— Excelsior Springs Area Career Center (Castle)

KC MADE: Innovation That Drives Local Industry

Inside Science City, the KC Manufacturing and Design Expo (KC MADE) featured 24 projects from students in grades 9–12. From furniture to a wake board, each entry demonstrated the technical literacy and creative problem‑solving that modern manufacturing demands.

Industry professionals evaluated the entries, offering feedback that often becomes a turning point for students considering careers in construction or manufacturing. The winners of KC MADE are as follows:

• KC MADE Showmanship Award – Mason S., Blue Springs South High School

• KC MADE Wood Division
  • 1st Place – Tyberias W., Shawnee Mission West High School
  • 2nd Place – Willa R., Liberty High School

• KC MADE Mixed Materials Division
  • 1st Place – Nathan C., Shawnee Mission West High School
  • 2nd Place – Conlan B., Shawnee Mission West High School

• KC MADE Overall Winners
  • 1st Place – Tyberias W., Shawnee Mission West High School
  • 2nd Place – Willa R., Liberty High School
  • 3rd Place – Nathan C., Shawnee Mission West High School

More than 3,000 votes were cast for the KC MADE People’s Choice award. The winner of the People’s Choice award is:

• KC MADE People’s Choice Award – Willa R., Liberty High School

A Stronger Economy Starts with Skilled Hands

Foundations for the Future Week underscores a simple truth: Kansas City’s economic health greatly depends on a robust, well‑trained construction workforce. By giving students real-world experience and direct access to industry leaders, the event helps ensure that the region can continue to grow — building homes, expanding businesses and supporting the local economy for years to come.

More information is available at kchomework.com.