News Summary
DPR Construction has introduced the Build Up High School Internship program in San Francisco to provide local high school juniors and seniors with hands-on experience in the construction industry. Since 2017, this eight-week paid internship has prioritized diversity, offering students practical skills in project management and industry technologies while fostering inclusivity in the workforce. Over 160 students, predominantly first-generation college-bound and many being young women, have benefited from this initiative, which emphasizes mentorship and career development.
San Francisco Builds Up Internship Program Equips High School Students with Construction Industry Experience
San Francisco-based DPR Construction has launched its Build Up High School Internship program, providing local high school students with practical, hands-on exposure to the construction industry. Since its inception in 2017, this initiative has served as a successful model for fostering diversity and inclusion within the construction sector.
Program Overview and Objectives
The Build Up program is an eight-week paid internship designed specifically for high school juniors and seniors. It offers students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in construction project planning, management, and the use of advanced industry technologies. Interns work full-time during the summer, earning competitive hourly wages while participating in various educational activities aimed at developing both technical and essential business skills.
Participation and Demographics
Since its launch, more than 160 students have participated in the program across San Francisco and surrounding areas. The program prioritizes students from families that meet U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) low-income standards, with many participants being first-generation college students. Currently, approximately 75% of the interns identify as first-generation college-bound students.
Notably, nearly half of the interns are young women, addressing gender disparities in the construction industry and promoting diversity in the workforce. The program also strives to reflect the communities where DPR operates, fostering a more inclusive future industry landscape.
Skills Development and External Exposure
Interns are introduced to a broad range of industry tools and procedures. They learn about job-site safety standards and work with innovative construction software such as BIM 360, CMIC, HammerTech, and Primavera—industry-standard technologies for project management and coordination. Additionally, interns gain insight into managing large-scale projects valued at multimillion dollars.
Throughout the internship, participants develop critical soft skills including communication, time management, and project organization. As part of their curriculum, interns deliver final presentations that enhance their public speaking and project management skills, preparing them for future career opportunities.
Program Outcomes and Impact
Since the program’s start, over 22% of former interns have returned as college interns, and some have transitioned into full-time roles within DPR Construction—highlighting the program’s success in career development and retention.
One participant, for instance, moved from intern to college intern and is now pursuing civil engineering studies, exemplifying the program’s role as a launchpad for careers in construction and related fields.
The Build Up initiative emphasizes mentorship, confidence building, and exploring the construction profession early in students’ academic journeys. Its positive local impact is reinforced by tangible outcomes such as increased interest in construction careers among underserved and underrepresented populations.
Leadership and Future Expansion
Diane Shelton, DPR’s Community Initiatives Leader in San Francisco, highlights the program’s focus on broadening diversity within the construction workforce. DPR Construction remains committed to expanding the Build Up program, strengthening inclusion efforts, and supporting educational pathways aligned with community needs.
Through these initiatives, DPR aims to develop a skilled, confident, and diverse workforce ready to meet future industry demands, reflecting the communities served and fostering long-term economic growth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Construction Industry Faces Workforce Decline 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
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