Union Station and the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (KCHBA) are proud to announce that Foundations for the Future Week will return April 1-6. This week is dedicated to promoting careers in construction by showcasing area high school and technical school students’ skills in building children’s playhouses and shop projects.
During this week, the public will be able to view and bid on a children’s playhouses for their backyards through Parade of Playhouses and vote for their favorite wood and/or metal project during the KC MADE competition inside Science City. The week culminates with a student and industry awards ceremony to provide networking opportunities with potential employers.
This year, Haverty Family Yards outside Science City will house 13 playhouses for the Parade of Playhouses — the most ever! Building a children’s playhouse allows the students to hone their carpentry skills, which until now they have been primarily learning in a classroom setting. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Science City to promote STEM learning. The playhouses are being built by high school students from:
Also on display to people visiting Science City inside Union Station that week is the KC Manufacturing and Design Expo (KC MADE) April 1-5. The KC MADE competition is a contest among high school students (grades 9-12) in construction and manufacturing programs. Projects are not limited in scope. Participants have the freedom to enter everything from a tiny house to a dining room table. Students from the following schools are participating in KC MADE:
A panel of industry professionals will judge both the playhouses and the KC MADE projects and determine award winners based on project quality, skill knowledge and professionalism. Students can win prizes and program grants will be awarded to the schools.
The week concludes with a student and industry awards ceremony at Union Station on Saturday, April 5. Students involved in all these projects will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals with the intent of fostering connections that could lead to employment opportunities once they graduate.
Click here to RSVP to attend the students-industry luncheon.
Through this partnership with Union Station, the KCHBA hopes to increase the number of students choosing careers in the residential construction industry. This will put less pressure on home prices, which will ultimately assist the KC families in achieving the American dream of owning a home.
For more information about Foundations for the Future Week, visit kchomework.com.
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