“Construction changed my life, and I want to do the same for others. Being a Build California Ambassador has been a blessing in disguise


or


because it has allowed me to use the platform to engage with students on a more personal level and join in great conversation and answer any questions they have.”


- Elizabeth “Ellie” Sanchez, Shawmut


Students Share Their Success with Next Generation To date, over two dozen of Hanger’s for- mer students are now working as union carpenters and “making a great living,” he noted. He invites them all to come back to his program to talk to the next generation of students about how a job in the industry has changed their lives. Hearing former students describe their career success to others “is one of my favorite parts about teaching,” Hanger added. Training in “soft skills” is a key component of the high school career technical education (CTE) and pre-ap- prenticeship programs. At Fresno High, Osuna said his program offers students training on soft skills that “deal with collaboration, finding solutions, how to create powerful resumes” and more. Te program recently began using the online Build California e-cademy, a learning platform where students can get exposure to the reality of the con- struction industry through a job site- ready certification, explore and learn courses, and more. Asked what innovative approaches they have found most effective in con-


necting with and motivating the younger generation, both Hanger and Osuna said that they employ various technologies and social media to meet students where they are and keep them engaged. “We use Facebook, Instagram and


Tik Tok” to connect with students and parents and show what is happening in the program at Fontana High, Hanger noted. “Our kids control it and they are connecting and saying this is what’s going on in the program. It creates excitement and [as a result] all these kids want to be in the class.” Osuna said his students have used online planning and design programs to design, create and virtually build mock projects. All three panelists on the recent forum


applauded the work that Build California is doing to help support their programs. “Build California has made a really,


really big difference in our program, es- pecially our Women Building the Bay,” commented Douglas in describing Build California’s support of Rising Sun. “[Teir parent organization, AGC CEF, has] spon- sored us, given us grants that helped keep the program going, and have just been invaluable.”


Fresno High Honors Build California Staffer


Fresno High School recently hon- ored the Build California program by awarding College Outreach Coordi- nator Christina Arredondo-Lopez as Fresno High School’s Career Techni- cal Education (CTE) Champion of the Year. This award recognizes Build Cal- ifornia’s commitment and dedication to connecting students to meaningful work and rewarding futures. Build California’s intentional


efforts to reach marginalized com- munities and share opportunities in the construction industry are truly life-transforming for students seeking to belong, grow, and build lasting legacies. Arredondo-Lopez reflected on


the award: “I am deeply honored to receive the 2023 - 2024 CTE Champion Award from Fresno High School. As a Central Valley native, I am so grateful for the opportunity to contribute to my community’s growth and development. I feel as though my contributions are making a positive impact in my community, and for that, I am extremely grateful and honored to receive this award.”


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024


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