Imagine a group of young women in hard hats, with tool belts slung around their waists. It may be a bit unexpected, but for 17 high school girls it was the opportunity of a lifetime.
The Mentoring a Girl in Construction (MAGIC) Camp showed these students the countless careers available to women in construction. And Zachry, in partnership with the Houston chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction and Associated Builders and Contractors, was fully in support.
The four-day, hands-on summer camp was the first of its kind in Texas. Designed to introduce young women to exciting careers in construction, the camp built relationships and gave teenagers an opportunity to create a support network that would help them make more informed choices.
“The investments we make today are investments in the future,” said Greg Sizemore, now the senior manager, craft and supervisor development. “We care about the communities we work in. There are eager young women wanting to enter the craft workforce, and programs like this help them get their foot in the door.”
Zachry sponsored participant toolkits, while donations from Zachry sites – including Dow Battleground, Ineos Chocolate Bayou and Dow Bayport – provided extra items for attendees. Many employees also volunteered as instructors.
For two participants, the camp was life-changing. Myesha Franklin and Melissa Rubly displayed such passion for welding that they were awarded scholarships to attend the Zachry Welding Academy, which offers intensive, hands-on welder training through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
These women showed incredible commitment. Because she didn’t own a vehicle, Myesha woke up at 4 a.m., took three buses, and then walked a mile to the camp. Melissa was often the first to complete each project, and she often helped others who were struggling.
“To see someone come out of the camp, join Zachry and have a career — that is what it is all about,” said Greg Sizemore. “We are helping people gain skills that will last them the rest of their lives.”