For the second year in a row at the Mahoning County Career & Technical Center, Let's Build Construction Camp (LBCC) for girls is encouraging girls aged 12-17 to consider a career in the construction industry.
Camp founder and director Shelly Higgins, says her mission is to defy stereotypes and introduce girls to all aspects of construction trades.
"As a woman, we have a lot of skills to bring to the trade. The guys even say ' The girls are more detail oriented, more organized, they communicate better' and so they [girls] bring a whole new aspect to the construction industry," Higgins said.
Throughout the weeklong program, the girls work alongside experienced industry professionals who serve as mentors who guide them on various construction projects. Middle and high school campers learn about the basics of architecture and electrical engineering.
The young girls attending LBCC are introduced to a variety of construction systems such as plumbing, roofing, HVAC, and drywall.
All materials and tools are donations from local and national organizations, helping the camp remain cost free. Lunch is provided daily for all campers.
This years camp is taking place from June 26-30 at 7:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Times and dates for next years camp are unavailable at this time, but applications for interested parties are available.