Career-Focused Construction Science Expo Changes Venue From MI Science Center To Durfee Innovation Society On May 17, 2022

Collaboration of 40 Construction and Engineering companies producing hands-on activities event for 600 Middle and High School Students in Southeast Detroit who participate in Black Caucus Foundation of MI Programming

DETROIT, MICH. — The 11th Annual Construction Science Expo has moved from the Science Center to Durfee Innovation Society, a community center close to the homes of the participating students in the events. The Durfee Innovation Society, a multi-faceted community hub for children, students, and adults located in the center of Detroit, has tenants supporting over 2,500 young people in educational programs and over 10,500 human services for the surrounding community. The Construction Science Expo introduces Detroit middle and high school students to the construction and engineering industry through an organized day of hands-on and interactive exploratory experiences and conversations. Founded in 2011 in partnership with the Black Caucus Foundation of MI, MITA, ACEC/ASCE and the Operating Engineers 324, the purpose of the event is to inform youth in the Navigating Success Program that being a skilled laborer or a civil engineer remains a highly-valued profession. Overall, the Construction Science Expo has touched more than 9,000 kids through the years and has even helped provide job opportunities to those who are highly motivated and want to get their careers started right away.

On Tuesday, May 17th at Durfee Society for Innovation (2470 Collingwood St., Detroit) from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 600 eager students from the Black Caucus Foundation program, running in nine Detroit schools, will take a drug-free pledge and will spend the day with construction industry leaders being exposed to engaging construction and engineering experiences. Importantly, the event is managed by a diverse coalition of businesses, associations and unions and receives annual support from generous sponsors, including the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Cadillac Asphalt, MUST Careers, MI Regional Council of Carpenters, Operating Engineers 324, Laborers International Union of North American (LiUNA), HNTB, OHM and many others . New sponsors this year include the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Infrastructure Engineering of Michigan, Hennessy Engineering, and WSP.

“We are honored to partner with great organizations at such an exciting event and hope to inspire the next generation of skilled tradesmen and women from right here in Detroit where so much great work is being done,” says Lee Graham, Executive Director at LEMC, Operating Engineers 324. “These students can look at the progress taking shape in their communities, and we want to provide them the opportunity to learn how they can take part and build a rewarding future at the same time.”

For more information, please visit https://michiganconstruction.com/constructionscienceexpo.