Boston, MA The Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts (AGC MA) has completed the expansion of a program it established during the current school year with fifth and sixth-grade students at Mattahunt Elementary School in Mattapan to increase awareness of professional STEM careers in the construction industry. The program has brought leadership from numerous local construction firms to Mattahunt for two events, in the fall and most recently, on Friday, April 28.

“AGC MA [has] sparked the creativity and curiosity of our students, and helped them to envision futures they might not have otherwise considered,” said Walter Henderson, principal of Mattahunt Elementary School.

Coming next, during Construction Inclusion Week in October, AGC MA will expand the program by pairing individual AGC MA member firms with elementary schools throughout Massachusetts. It is hoped that once established, these pairings will continue for years to come, allowing students to continue learning about the many facets of modern construction work, and providing them with industry mentors and pathways to rewarding STEM-based careers.

AGC MA’s most recent event at Mattahunt Elementary School, conducted in partnership with LEGO Discovery Center Boston, featured professional mentors from BOND Construction, Columbia, C.E. Floyd Company, Elaine Construction, Gaston Electrical, Janey Construction, Shawmut Design and Construction, Sienna Construction, Turner Construction, Walsh Brothers, and W.T. Rich Company, who worked with students to design and build structures using LEGO blocks. Janey Construction was the AGC MA member sponsor for the event.

“The enthusiasm for this program, from students and construction leadership alike, has been inspiring to watch, and demonstrates the importance of outreach and education from an early age,” said Marion Jones, director of workforce development and industry inclusion at AGC MA. “When young people see the possibilities and meet the people who can help them achieve their goals, it transforms their lives. We’re thrilled that AGC MA member firms have embraced this program and with their help, we will make it bigger and better.”