News Summary
Students from Chico State University engaged in hands-on learning at the Inspire School of Arts campus construction site. This initiative, a collaboration between Chico Unified School District and local construction firms, provided valuable insights into construction management and engineering. Representatives guided students through the site, allowing them to interact with professionals and learn about project planning and execution. The program, which aims to enhance career readiness, will expand in the upcoming semester to involve more students in experiential learning opportunities.
Chico, California—Students Gain Real-World Experience on Construction Site of New Inspire School of Arts Campus
Students studying construction management and engineering at Chico State University recently had a valuable opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience at the site of the upcoming Inspire School of Arts campus. This on-site learning experience was made possible through a collaboration between Chico Unified School District (CUSD) and local construction companies.
Special Tour Provided by CUSD and Construction Partners
On September 26, 2023, representatives from CUSD, including the Facilities Team, hosted a guided tour of the ongoing construction project. The event was organized in partnership with Modern Building Company and McGuire and Hester, two local construction firms involved in the project. The tour offered students an up-close look at the progress and key elements of building the new campus.
Educational Focus and Student Engagement
During the visit, students engaged directly with construction professionals, discussing various aspects of the project. Topics included planning, budgeting, and overall design. These conversations aimed to enhance the students’ understanding of the real-world challenges and considerations involved in constructing a sizable educational facility.
Insights from CUSD Leadership and Construction Professionals
Julie Kistle, CUSD’s Director of Facilities and Construction, expressed enthusiasm about providing students with opportunities to develop their skills and inspire future careers. Additionally, Gareth Feldstein, CUSD’s construction manager and a 2006 graduate of Chico State’s construction management program, underscored the importance of experiential learning. He highlighted that direct involvement on construction sites helps students better grasp practical industry knowledge and prepares them for future employment in construction and engineering fields.
Future Learning Opportunities
Feldstein also announced plans to involve more students in the construction site experience during the coming semester and beyond. This ongoing partnership aims to deepen student engagement with the construction industry by offering multiple opportunities to observe and learn from active projects.
Background on the Inspire School of Arts Campus Project
The Inspire School of Arts campus has been in development for over ten years. The project benefits from a total investment of $34 million, with funding sourced from both state and local government measures, including Measures K and C. The new campus is located on a 7.5-acre site along Freemont Street.
Significance of the Collaboration
This partnership between Chico State, CUSD, and construction firms serves as a model for how educational institutions and local industry can work together to promote learning and inspire students toward careers in construction and engineering. The initiative not only enhances educational outcomes but also aims to boost local employment opportunities and industry development in the region.
Overall, the recent tour of the Inspire School of Arts construction site exemplifies the value of integrating academic learning with practical experience, fostering future professionals equipped with real-world knowledge.
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Additional Resources
- KRCR News
- Action News Now
- Turner Construction
- Wikipedia: Construction Management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sustainable Architecture
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