“The most impactful part of camp was


getting hands-on with real tools and working on actual projects—it made everything feel real and exciting. I learned a lot about how much teamwork goes into construction, and I also realized I’m more confident and capable than I thought. I’m leaving camp with a better idea of what I might want to do in the future, and now construction actually seems like a path I could see myself taking.”


taking.


Gia Bruzzone, Northern California camp


participant


traveled long distances every day for the full week of camp. Some students drove themselves from as far as San Francisco to Sacramento, while others others relied on parents who made multi-hour round trips twice per day – like those who drove from San Bernardino to Santa Ana and back – to ensure their high schooler could participate. Te level of family support speaks volumes about the program’s impact and the belief in what it offers. Lyn Sam, workforce outreach man-


ager for AGC of California, pointed out that many of the students were already familiar with Build California due to its ongoing outreach and engagement in their schools and through social media. “Many of them follow us on Instagram or Tik Tok and already had their Build California shirts, so they already knew the value of what we’re doing and how they could benefit from this camp,” Sam said.


Essential Sponsorships Drive Success Two companies served as presenting sponsors of the Build California 2025 camps: McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. for Southern California, and Turner Construction for the Northern California camp, which was also sponsored by the ERiCA grant. “McCarthy is proud to support AGC California’s mission to inspire and culti-


10


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025


vate the next generation of construction professionals through initiatives like the Build California Summer Camp - Southern California,” commented Jim Madrid, region president, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. “As a build- er and community partner, we believe early exposure and education are key to shaping the industry’s future. Trough our partnership with AGC CEF, we are helping to shape our future workforce, strengthen communities, and ensure the continued growth and success of the construction industry.” Bianca Johnson, community and citizenship director, Turner Construction Company, had this to say: “At Turner Construction, we believe that invest- ing in the future of our industry means investing in the young people who will build it. Partnering with Build California’s Summer Camp aligns perfectly with our commitment to education, access, and opportunity. Most importantly, for students who may not have previously seen themselves in this field.” Johnson added, “We’re proud to sup-


port programs that open doors, spark curiosity, and help shape a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient construction workforce for generations to come. And if you ask us, we may have already spotted a few future Turner builders in the mix this summer!”


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