It is more apparent now than ever before the need for children to learn about careers in construction. As the ratio of retirees to those entering the workforce becomes increasingly disproportionate, it is vital that we continue to advocate and educate people on the trades industry. The charitable arm of the New River Valley Home Builders Association (NRVHBA), the Building Futures Foundation, has three Constructing Careers grants that are available to schools in the New River Valley each year. These are awarded to multiple recipients each year to aid any costs that may prohibit K-12 schools from implementing hands-on learning activities that expose and teach children about careers in the construction trades.  

In 2025, our foundation was able to provide funding through our Constructing Careers grants to the Margaret Beeks Elementary School STEM and Music classes taught by Elizabeth Larson. Through this class, students engaged in design, construction, and an end-of-year project to support the school's theatre. Larson implements these activities into the classroom to “foster an understanding of careers in construction trades while integrating practical skills beyond the classroom.”  

Grant funding was provided so students could construct stage risers for their school's play, “Inside Out.” Through this, students expanded their skills further in set design and installation, which allowed them to gain carpentry experience. Alongside this, they explored electrician careers through the programming of ground lighting to serve as their “emotional console” in the production. After the completion of this project, students were eager to see their work come to life for the school's play. Some students talk about it to this day as Larson explains, “The fifth-grade girls continue to be excited about using power tools and building.”  

NRVHBA members visited the school and led them through the process. Hearing professionals from the construction industry helped build confidence in the students to construct the stage risers from start to finish. Teaching them skills in project management, teamwork, and communication, these students will always remember these memories and use the skills they learned to fuel their future endeavors.  

The Maragret Beeks Elementary School theatre program receives zero funding from the school district, and all productions have been made possible due to outside donations. The school's production of “Inside Out” left the school community and audience astonished at how students were able to elevate the production with the stage risers and lighting. Additionally, the project led to a substantial number of students interested in participating in the next production the school hosts. 

As a result of the grant, the school was able to obtain tools and materials to make this happen, and the creative impact it left on the students is priceless. New skills and everlasting memories were made by those students as they were able to be a part of the project and spark creativity in other students.  

To learn more about our Constructing Careers grants or to apply, visit www.nrvhba.com/constructing-careers/.