An industry-led initiative aimed at addressing the construction labor shortage is set to return in 2026, as Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin and its partners relaunch the She Builds Wisconsin Construction Camp for middle school girls.
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The free, multi-day summer camp is designed to introduce young students to careers in construction, architecture and engineering through hands-on learning and direct engagement with industry professionals. Hosted at multiple locations across the state, the program continues to gain traction as workforce shortages persist nationwide.
Construction firms across the U.S. are grappling with a shrinking labor pool, driven in part by retirements and sustained demand from megaprojects. Programs like She Builds Wisconsin are increasingly seen as critical tools to build early interest and diversify the talent pipeline.
The She Builds Wisconsin camp offers participants an immersive experience, including tours of active jobsites and construction businesses. Students also have opportunities to connect with women already working in the field, helping to break down barriers and reshape perceptions about careers in construction.
Campers “will about construction careers through hands-on activities and projects and offer connections with industry professionals.” In addition to classroom-style instruction, the program emphasizes experiential learning through field trips and real-world exposure.
Participants are also provided with safety gear, camp T-shirts and daily meals, ensuring accessibility for students from a wide range of backgrounds. Organizers say the goal is to remove barriers to entry while fostering curiosity and confidence in pursuing construction-related careers.
The 2026 schedule includes four camp sessions across Wisconsin:
The return of the program comes as contractors continue to face mounting workforce challenges. Industry leaders point to a growing need for skilled labor, particularly as large infrastructure and commercial projects expand nationwide.
Construction remains a lucrative career path, with apprentices often earning competitive wages early in their careers. However, awareness of these opportunities remains limited among younger students, particularly among underrepresented groups.
By targeting middle school-aged girls, She Builds Wisconsin aims to introduce the industry at an earlier stage, when career interests are still forming. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to increase diversity in construction, a field historically dominated by men.
Programs like this are gaining momentum across the country as contractors, trade associations and educators work together to create sustainable workforce pipelines. Early exposure, mentorship and hands-on experience are widely viewed as key strategies to attract the next generation of skilled workers.
Organizers say the camp’s continued growth reflects both strong industry support and increasing interest from students eager to explore alternative career paths outside traditional four-year college routes.
For more information, visit shebuildswisconsin.com.
Originally reported by Ethan Duran in The Daily Reporter.
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