News Summary
In San Francisco, the Build Up High School Internship program has successfully provided over 160 students with hands-on experience in the construction industry. Launched in 2017, this eight-week paid internship focuses on workforce development, emphasizing inclusivity and industry exposure. With close to 50% of interns being young women, it actively promotes gender diversity, while providing valuable training in construction management and business skills. The program emphasizes mentorship and community engagement, inspiring students to pursue careers in engineering and construction.
San Francisco: Construction Internship Program Empowers High School Students and Promotes Diversity
Since its launch in 2017, the Build Up High School Internship program in San Francisco has provided over 160 high school students with valuable hands-on experience in the construction industry. The program offers a comprehensive eight-week paid internship designed specifically for high school juniors and seniors, focusing on workforce development, inclusivity, and industry exposure.
Program Structure and Participant Profile
The Build Up internship enables students to gain practical knowledge in project planning, construction management, and technology. Interns work full-time for eight weeks and receive competitive hourly wages, providing an early introduction to professional work environments. The program primarily targets students from families that meet HUD low-income standards, with a significant portion being first-generation college students; approximately 75% of participants identify as such.
Since its inception, the program has seen consistent growth, with the 2025 cohort welcoming 31 interns across various DPR Construction locations. Many interns have continued their involvement with DPR, with 22% returning as college interns, and some transitioning into full-time roles within the company—highlighting the program’s success as a career pathway.
Learning Outcomes and Skills Development
Participants learn about industry-standard tools such as BIM 360, CMIC, HammerTech, and Primavera, gaining firsthand experience in managing multi-million-dollar projects and understanding safety procedures on construction sites. The internship emphasizes both technical training and essential business skills, including communication, time management, and public speaking.
An important component of the program is the final presentation, which helps interns develop public speaking skills and confidence in demonstrating their project work. Exposure to innovative construction software and real-world safety practices prepares students for future roles in the industry.
Addressing Diversity and Community Impact
By nearly halving the gender gap, with close to 50% of interns being young women, the program actively promotes gender diversity within a traditionally male-dominated field. Additionally, the program prioritizes diversity and inclusion, reflecting the communities where DPR operates. Diane Shelton, DPR’s Community Initiatives Leader, emphasizes the program’s focus on creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and advancing a more inclusive workforce.
The program’s impact extends beyond individual career development, fostering community engagement and mentorship. A notable example is students like Selome Muruts, who transitioned from intern to college intern and is now pursuing civil engineering studies—demonstrating the program’s role in inspiring long-term career aspirations in construction and engineering.
Future Growth and Commitment
DPR Construction remains dedicated to expanding the Build Up program, with an ongoing focus on increasing access, promoting inclusion, and providing educational opportunities. The initiative aims to develop a skilled, confident future workforce that mirrors the diversity of local communities and addresses industry workforce challenges.
Overall, the Build Up High School Internship program continues to serve as a valuable entry point for youth interested in construction careers, emphasizing mentorship, technical skill-building, and community engagement to prepare students for future success in the industry.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Construction Industry Faces Workforce Shortage in Mooresville
Additional Resources
- DJC: City News on DPR Construction
- DJC: Another News on Construction
- Arup: Early Careers Internships
- Turner Construction: Careers
- Wikipedia: Construction Industry
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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