News Summary
DPR Construction’s Build Up High School Internship program empowers high school juniors and seniors with hands-on experience in the construction industry. Launched in 2017, the program promotes inclusivity, offering paid internships to students from underrepresented backgrounds. With over 160 interns participating, the program fosters skills in project planning and management, encouraging gender diversity, with nearly 50% of participants being young women. The initiative not only prepares students for careers in construction but also supports community engagement and mentorship through its ongoing commitment to diversity and education.
San Francisco, California – DPR Construction’s Build Up High School Internship program is paving the way for high school students to gain invaluable experience in the construction industry. Since its launch in 2017, the program has focused on providing hands-on exposure and fostering inclusivity within a sector often noted for its diversity challenges.
The Build Up program is an eight-week, paid internship designed specifically for high school juniors and seniors, allowing them to immerse themselves in various construction roles. Participants learn essential aspects of project planning, technology use, and the many different positions involved in construction management. With over 160 students having participated in the program, its reach and impact are notable, particularly among underrepresented groups.
In 2025, the program expanded its cohort to 31 interns, who work full time and receive competitive hourly wages. A significant aspect of the Build Up program is its focus on students from families that qualify under the HUD low-income standards. Approximately 75% of the interns identify as first-generation college students, highlighting the program’s commitment to accessibility and support for community members who may not have had similar opportunities.
One noteworthy achievement of the Build Up program is that 22% of participants have returned as college interns, while some have progressed to full-time positions at DPR Construction. The internship not only offers immediate job skills but also sets the foundation for long-term career development within the construction field.
Gender representation within the construction industry has been a critical concern, and the Build Up program is making strides in this area. Almost 50% of participants are young women, addressing the existing gender gap and encouraging female representation in construction roles. This effort aligns with the program’s broader objectives to improve diversity in the workforce as articulated by DPR Construction.
Interns receive rigorous training in essential business skills, such as communication and time management, in addition to technical training. Participants undertake a final presentation to enhance their public speaking abilities and project management skills. Furthermore, interns gain exposure to job site safety procedures and advanced technological tools used in the industry, including BIM 360, CMIC, HammerTech, and Primavera. This hands-on experience with multi-million-dollar projects enriches their learning and prepares them for their future careers.
Diane Shelton, Community Initiatives Leader at DPR, emphasizes that the program’s focus is squarely on cultivating diverse, skilled workers who can reflect the communities in which DPR operates. The positive local impact of the Build Up internship is exemplified by students like Selome Muruts, who transitioned from an intern position to a college internship, now pursuing a degree in civil engineering.
The Build Up program serves as a launchpad for students, fostering mentorship, confidence building, and exploration of various pathways within the construction industry. DPR Construction is committed to expanding the initiative further, enhancing its focus on inclusion and education while continuing to empower the next generation of construction professionals.
In conclusion, the Build Up High School Internship program stands as a model for inclusivity and proactive community engagement in the construction industry, effectively shaping a skilled and confident future workforce.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mooresville Faces Construction Workforce Crisis as Retirements Loom
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 BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
