Rosendin Foundation Ignites Construction Passion in Youth with Unique Summer Camp Experience
The Rosendin Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to positively impacting communities, proudly launched five free construction camps for middle school students nationwide. TRF Camp Build is a unique summer program designed to ignite a passion for building and craftsmanship among middle school students. Collaborating with partners across the industry, The Rosendin Foundation aimed to build and empower youth while addressing the shortage of construction workers by providing invaluable hands-on experience and fresh perspectives on career opportunities.
“Investing in education and training for the next generation of builders is crucial for the construction industry’s future success. We are proud that many partners have joined us in equipping students with the necessary tools and resources,” said Jolsna Thomas, President of The Rosendin Foundation. “Together, we must shift perceptions about construction careers for our future workers and leaders.”
This co-ed summer program catered to 6th-8th graders interested in learning to design and build projects using power tools. Participants gained practical building experience, witnessed heavy equipment operation, engaged in roofing and framing activities, and learned essential skills such as personal safety, concrete/rebar work, soldering, pipe bending, BIM (Building Information Modeling), wire stripping, heavy equipment operation, framing/woodworking, roofing and painting. They also received training in virtual reality using VR Headsets, and camp leaders challenged them to build and estimate a project — a toy racecar — in the real world.
The TRF Camp Build program took place in Sherman, Texas, Gallatin, Tennessee, Anaheim, California, Tempe, Arizona, and Austin, Texas. Skilled professionals from different industries mentored the students throughout the program, providing insights into exciting career opportunities. The camp concluded with the construction of doghouses, which The Rosendin Foundation donated to local animal shelter nonprofits. Collaborative efforts with trade groups, suppliers, and contractors resulted in the camp’s success, which emphasized the importance of working together to build a more robust workforce in the future. Inspired by Rosendin’s participation in the national Camp NAWIC, TRF Camp Build is set to expand to more cities in 2024, including Charlotte, North Carolina, Las Vegas and Prineville, Oregon.
“Through Camp Build, The Rosendin Foundation does an exceptional job of introducing students to the diverse range of careers within the construction industry,” said Gabe Flore, from the Austin Electrical Training Alliance. “Furthermore, it effectively imparts fundamental skills that tradespeople utilize daily across the country.”
TRF Camp Build received generous support from sponsors and in-kind donors, including Diamond-level sponsorship from sister companies Rosendin and MPS, Emerald-level sponsorship from Gallatin Data Center, Ruby-level sponsorship from Mesa Data Center, and Platinum-level sponsorships from United Rentals, DPR Construction, Sundt, and UA 469. In-kind donors included Milwaukee Tools, Stanley Black and Decker, Border States, Graybar and United Rentals.
The Rosendin Foundation is dedicated to supporting community nonprofits around the country that promote emotional, nutritional, and occupational health programs. The Foundation operates under the umbrella of Rosendin Holdings, the parent company of Rosendin, one of the nation’s largest design-build specialty electrical contractors, and Modular Power Solutions (MPS), one of the nation’s largest electrical manufacturing companies.
To learn more about the program, click here.
