PHILADELPHIA, PA — By creating space for girls to discover and learn in a practical setting, DPR Construction and Girls Inc. are helping participants see themselves as future builders, engineers, and leaders. That mission came to life at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia project site. With joint venture partner L.F. Driscoll, DPR hosted a two-day Design & Build Camp.
With a projected shortage of over 2 million skilled tradespeople by 2030 and women holding less than 4 percent of labor-based construction roles, diversifying the workforce is more urgent than ever. While the camp supports efforts to close this gap, its deeper purpose is rooted in community — empowering girls with the confidence, mentorship, and exposure to pursue careers.
The DPR team welcomed 25 girls aged 10 to 14 for an immersive introduction to the construction industry at the Roberts Children's Health job site. The camp offered hands-on experiences that introduced participants to the tools, technologies, and teamwork that are hallmarks of construction work. From carpentry and safety demonstrations to virtual reality walkthroughs and creative engineering challenges, the experience gave campers a behind-the-scenes look at the construction world — and a chance to see themselves in it.
"There are more projects to build in America than skilled workers to build them," said Scott Sircovitch, Project Executive at DPR Construction. "At DPR, we want to do our part to expand pathways to construction careers and build strong communities. The Girls Inc. camp is one of the many ways we're hoping to inspire the next generation of builders and show them what's possible when they're given access, mentorship, and the opportunity to explore careers they may not have considered."
"This camp wasn't just about learning new skills; it was about expanding what our girls believe is possible," said Lillian Knoerzer, Partnership Manager at Girls Inc. "When girls are surrounded by people who believe in them and invest in their growth, they begin to see themselves as innovators and changemakers. That's the power of this partnership. It helps girls step into their strength and envision bold futures."
| Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
|---|
| SITECH Allegheny |
| SITECH Northeast |
DPR focuses its community initiatives on building possibilities for the under-resourced and leverages skills-based volunteering to improve nonprofit partner facilities, educate youth about careers in construction, and provide organizational support partners.
