When I joined the Board two years ago, I was impressed to see the many different ways the Sierra Chapter supports our local students. However, I thought we could expand our outreach with high school students. After discussing this with the Board, a colleague of mine introduced me to the CREATE (Construction, Re-Development, Engineering, Architecture, Trades, Education) program which is run by the Construction Industry Education Foundation in partnership with the
Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange. The goal of CREATE is to “educate and inspire students to pursue pathways which create the built environment.” This program includes over 75 high schools all over California and over 10,000 students have participated since its inception. The program pairs mentors from the design and construction industry with high school junior and senior students to complete a semester long project that includes planning and design. I joined the program this semester as a mentor and was assigned to a class at Whitney High School in Rocklin. Among our team of mentors, I was the only civil engineer and was joined by two architects, one HVAC contractor, and one telecommunications contractor.
Our group of six students chose to design a new sports medicine facility for their campus as their existing facility was
inadequate. The project requirements included completing sketches, a floor plan, 3D renderings, engineering calculations, and architectural exhibits. We met with the students every couple of weeks and provided guidance on the planning and design process. I also gave a presentation on the many different disciplines of engineering along with a brief talk on storm water management and water quality as it related to our project. Students were also required to complete resumes and visited an active construction site at a local high school. The field trip to the job site was a highlight and I believe all of the students enjoyed the opportunity to put on a hard hat and safety vest for the first time. The project culminated in a presentation and competition with groups from other schools where a winner was selected.
I am also pleased to report that the Sierra Chapter is supporting a new scholarship for CREATE this semester. Scott Lillibridge awarded a $2000 check to the scholarship winner, Stephanie Ketcham, at the CREATE awards luncheon on December 9th. Stephanie is a senior at West Campus High School and intends to pursue a degree in civil engineering as a direct result of her participation in the CREATE program. I can definitely say that I found this experience rewarding. Helping young people learn more about our profession is just one way we can give back to all of the mentors that have influenced each of our careers.
By Erik Fanselau, Director
