Archives - DC Students Construction Trades Foundation

Meet the Future 2022: With Latest Graduating Class, Construction Academy Expands Vision to Introduce, Train D.C. Students for Building Industry Careers

Some might call it the start of a new day for the graduating seniors of the Academy of Construction and Design (ACAD), who on May 18 completed their high school

The Blueprint: In Honor of John McMahon

By Arnesa A. Howell

When John McMahon decided to make the transition from vision to reality with the creation of the Academy of Construction and Design (ACAD), he reached out to the industry he

Meet the Future 2021: A Reimagined Story for the Academy of Construction and Design

By Arnesa A. Howell

On a grassy lot at 4950 East Capitol Street in Northeast, Washington, D.C., a small group of students from high schools across the city readied for this year’s reimagined Meet

Technical Education, Apprenticeship Programs Shift to Distance Learning In Wake of Coronavirus Pandemic

By Arnesa A. Howell

This past summer, Ama Akoto woke up each morning knowing the task ahead: get dressed and be ready to work as a team leader for the ACAD BUILDS Internship (ABI),

JOBS Outlook 2020: Pivotal Year, Pivotal Issues

By Rev. Stephen E. Tucker

The year 2020 may be remembered as one of the most pivotal years in our nation’s history. It’s an election year of major proportions, with efforts underway to impeach the

The Real World: 2019 Academy of Construction and Design Grads Leverage Skilled Trades Training to Strive, Thrive in District

By Arnesa A. Howell

Daybreak has already cracked through the sky by the time De’Andre Williams arrives at Fort Myer Construction’s asphalt plant at 1155 W Street in Northeast Washington, D.C. At 7 a.m.,

National Apprenticeship Week Opens Doors of Opportunity, Student Call CTE Training Programs a ‘Gift’

By Arnesa A. Howell

Ty’reek Wylie didn’t hesitate to praise the benefits of career and technical education (CTE) training during the National Apprenticeship Week job fair at Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School

Labor Secretary Scalia Visits DCSCTF-Sponsored Career Fair at Phelps Ace Senior High School

By Arnesa A. Howell

The latest National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) at Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) High School celebrated careers in construction with a student-centric career fair, and newly appointed U.S. Secretary of

JOBS Outlook 2019

By Rev. Stephen E. Tucker

It is with the utmost excitement that JOBS Coalition announces its 2019 theme, “Becoming!” Inspired by the bestselling memoir by former First Lady Michelle Obama, the Coalition’s one-word theme emerges

2019: A Year in Review

By Arnesa A. Howell

From students flexing their networking skills during a National Apprenticeship Week job fair to examining African-American lives transformed after incarceration this year’s JOBS Coalition Pathways newsletter dove into the issues

A Sneak Peak 2020

By Arnesa A. Howell

Look inside the Jan/Feb 2020 issue of JOBS Coalition Pathways for insight into the student experience at the National Apprenticeship Week career fair sponsored by the D.C. Students Construction Trades

Lives Reinvented: Congressman Danny K. Davis CBC Session Examines Stories of Reentry

By Arnesa A. Howell

While there’s been progress in recognizing the need for outreach to returning citizens reentering their communities following incarceration, more needs to be done to break the revolving door cycle before

Talking the Mass Incarceration Epidemic

By Arnesa A. Howell

“The mass incarceration epidemic is a stain on our society,” said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 2019 Annual Legislative Conference. These words underscored the theme

Mission Accomplished: D.C. Apprenticeship Academy Class of 2019 Earns Industry Credentials, Career Jump-Starters

By Arnesa A. Howell

Glenn McCutchen knows an opportunity when he sees one. For eight years, he worked for a small, family-owned electrical contractor, taking on a series of construction projects including a scale

Dropping Gems for the DCAA Class of 2019

By Arnesa A. Howell

When Jerry Jeffries stood before the D.C. Apprenticeship Academy’s Class of 2019 as keynote speaker, he emphasized the “dollars and cents” of the electrical industry — an electrician’s earnings are

Meet the Future 2019: The Academy of Construction and Design: A Dreamcatcher for New Grads

By Arnesa A. Howell

Kyeon Ford has been busy while a student in the Academy of Construction and Design (ACAD). While learning the in-and-outs of the carpentry trade, he’s helped build birdhouses, benches, and

ACAD: A Nod to Success

By Arnesa A. Howell

From its beginnings in 2005, the Academy of Construction and Design has measured its success through the students who have pushed through the sweat — and sometimes tears — to

The Best of Meet the Future

By Arnesa A. Howell

2019 marks the 13th year of the Annual Meet the Future Luncheon and its celebration of student scholars at the Academy of Construction and Design. Each year brings a new

Meet The Future 101: 2019 Edition

By Arnesa A. Howell

More than a decade since the first Meet the Future luncheon, and the awards ceremony continues to celebrate the brightest students of the Academy of Construction and Design (ACAD) —

Ready, Set … Network! ACAD Students Put Best Foot Forward During Job Fair Kicking Off National Apprenticeship Week

By Arnesa A. Howell

As representatives from M.C. Dean discuss opportunities for high school students, 18-year-old A-CAD Builds intern Demilo Outing walks over and hands out his business card. Ernie Gray, a superintendent at

Community Investment Partners Award Foundation More Than $250,000 to Expand Paid Skilled Trades Internships for District Students

By Arnesa A. Howell

Students of the Academy of Construction and Design gathered along the perimeter of the architecture and drafting classroom in IDEA Public Charter School. Nearby, leadership of the D.C. Students Construction

Pre-Apprenticeship Program Encourages Graduates to Push Through Challenges, Grab Ring of Opportunity

By Arnesa A. Howell

Miller & Long Concrete Construction has a long-standing commitment to workforce development and training through its existing pre-apprenticeship programs. It recently added to its efforts to expand the pool of

Changing the Narrative of the Formerly Incarcerated

By Arnesa A. Howell

Reentry. It’s a concept well known to those seeking to reintegrate into society after incarceration. However, it’s a transition that’s not so easily accomplished, with chronic unemployability and lack of

In 2018, You Too Can See the Forest and the Trees

By Rev. Stephen E. Tucker

Adversity. Challenge. Change. In 2017, the JOBS Coalition—like much of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area—experienced all three. The year brought a change in the administration with a domino effect on

Pre-Apprenticeship Program Bolsters Workforce Development, Helps Miller & Long Discover ‘Best of the Best’

By Arnesa A. Howell

Student-Built Tiny House in Ward 7 Delivers on Diverse, Affordable Living Options

By Arnesa A. Howell

Amid late morning showers, students of the Academy of Construction and Design (ACAD) at IDEA Public Charter School hovered under umbrellas on a vacant lot in the 1100 block of

Simply the Best: D.C. Apprenticeship Academy Honors Class of 2018

By Arnesa A. Howell

Graduating from the D.C. Apprenticship Academy has a different meaning to each student. For one electrical apprentice, completing the training program means embarking on a new professional journey. And for

ACAD Job Fair Opens Doorway of Opportunity for IDEA Students

By Arnesa A. Howell

Makiya Johnson is a busy student. As a junior at the Academy of Construction and Design at IDEA Public Charter School, she traveled to Jamaica this year to help build

Entrepreneur Justin Sullivan Talks ‘Soul’ of Skilled Trades

By Arnesa A. Howell

Talk to any newly minted electrical graduate of the D.C. Apprenticeship Academy, and it’s clear the day is a big deal. Still, it’s the “tiny details” that will prove to

Meet the Future 2018: ‘Superhero’ Students Overcome Academic, Personal Challenges to Excel As Student Scholars

By Arnesa A. Howell

For senior Richard Boller, success is gained through the power of three: hard work, careful planning and a dedication to education. In embracing these strategies, he has pushed through life’s

Life According to Rock

By Arnesa A. Howell

Rock Newman—as the host of his own radio show—is a renowned voice throughout the Washington, D.C.-metropolitan area. And mirroring his on-air demeanor, Newman stayed true to “keepin’ it real” while

Bright Futures Bootcamp: Laying a Foundation for Success & Scholarship

By Arnesa A. Howell

What’s in a name? Well, everything from the moniker of the Bright Futures Bootcamp. “We are trying to help our students build bright futures for themselves,” says Emille Robinson, facilitator

NCCER Accreditation for Pre-Apprenticeship Training: A Key to Success in Construction Trades

By Arnesa A. Howell

Ask Valarie Hunt about the construction trade opportunities the UPO Workforce Institute provides those it serves, and she easily offers up a former student as an exemplar of success. This

The Road to Reentry

By Arnesa A. Howell

Reentry. The word is both a source of hope and trepidation for those returning to society after incarceration. The odds are stacked against these men and women, and they need

A Door of Opportunity: ACAD Hosts National Apprenticeship Week Open House To Introduce Youth, Adults to Skilled Trades Training

By Arnesa A. Howell

The road from apprenticeship offers many possibilities, from licensed trade professional to college student, and beyond. That’s the message gleaned from the banner displayed on the wall outside the Academy

2017: Bracing for Change In a New Era

By Rev. Stephen E. Tucker

Uneasiness emerges with incoming administration, Coalition continues to vie for face time with D.C. mayor The November 2016 presidential election sent a very clear message: A new era of change

Summer 2017 in Review: Department of Education Senior Official Visits ACAD, Calls Out Program for ‘Best Practices’

By Arnesa A. Howell

Following a tour of the classrooms, training labs and tiny house project at the Academy of Construction and Design (ACAD), a U.S. Department of Education official gave a nod to

Inaugural Youth Farmer’s Market Delivers Produce, Community Engagement to Deanwood Neighborhood

By Arnesa A. Howell

On the corner of Lee and 46th Street N.E., the Academy of Construction and Design (ACAD) kicked off its first Youth Farmer’s Market and festival in a neighborhood steeped in

D.C. Apprenticeship Academy: Grads Push Through Long Days, Personal Challenges to Become Class of 2017

By Arnesa A. Howell

When Treymane Chatman graduated in 2014 from a specialty skilled trades program at Cardozo Senior High School, he had a plan. With the help of a $3,000 scholarship, he would

Luncheon Bites: Chairman Talks ‘Glamorous’ Role of Painter’s Helper

By Arnesa A. Howell

For 2017, Meet the Future Luncheon Chairman Justin Sullivan served up a valuable lesson from his youth, telling students of the Academy of Construction and Design at IDEA that great

Meet the Future 2017: Academy Students Praise CTE Program for Teaching Respect, Self Confidence & Commitment

By Arnesa A. Howell

As new high school graduates, young people expect advice: Work hard. Make the most of your opportunities. Stay focused. But as the Class of 2017 prepared to become alumni of

‘Live the Dream’

By Arnesa A. Howell

For prospects at the NFL combine, it’s about proving oneself mentally and physically on the road to the draft. Speed, performance and mental acuity – all carefully measured. But at

Stewards of the Global Community: ACAD Students Lift Spirits, Learn Life Lessons While Helping Build Homes In Jamaica

By Arnesa A. Howell

It’s nearing 5:30 a.m. when Kyeon Ford arrives at Reagan National Airport just outside of Washington, D.C. It’s too early for any daylight to wash across the sky, but nervous

Meet the Future 101 with Beth Moore

By Arnesa A. Howell

For 11 years, the annual Meet the Future luncheon has celebrated the brightest students of the Academy of Construction and Design (ACAD), housed at IDEA Public Charter School in Northeast

Reston Station Office Building Project: A Towering Achievement for Miller & Long

By Arnesa A. Howell

Collaboration with Davis Construction, Comstock Marks Innovative Design The “J-Team” knows concrete. For this 10-man crew with Miller & Long Concrete Construction, the bottom line is always to get the

So You Want To Live Minimalist?

By Arnesa A. Howell

A 160-square foot student-built microhouse offers tiny living lifestyle with a small environmental footprint – for less than traditional homes. Twenty months after the Academy of Construction & Design kicked

2016: A Year In Review

By Arnesa A. Howell

It proved a year of firsts for the Academy of Construction & Design and its students, with the inaugural year at IDEA Public Charter School completed and the launch of

Employment, Collaborations and Elections … Oh My!

By Rev. Stephen E. Tucker

Much of the country is poised to see who will nab the Democratic and Republican nominations for president. The JOBS Coalition, too, is keeping close watch. And while the candidates

Ex-offender Reentry Programs Focus on Fatherhood, Family and Community

By Arnesa A. Howell

The men on the panel come from all walks of life: a former police chief, an ex-offender, and an advocate for newly released prisoners. Each speaker dives into his personal

Attorney Benjamin Crump Calls for Action Against Injustice, Gives Nod to Civil Rights Leaders

By Arnesa A. Howell

Attorney Benjamin Crump. His name is best known from representing the families of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, two young black men whose shooting deaths sent shockwaves through black communities

CTE, Apprenticeships: Game-changers for Communities

By Arnesa A. Howell

Apprenticeships and career and technical education are nontraditional pathways to career success, ones oftentimes overlooked by African Americans because of lingering stigmas, according to an expert panel during the Congressional

‘We Salute You’: DC Apprenticeship Academy Celebrates Class of 2016

By Arnesa A. Howell

A diverse group of 12 men are seated in the first several rows of the construction lab at the Academy of Construction & Design at IDEA Public Charter School. Draped

Green Thumb Ready!

By Arnesa A. Howell

Poised in the back lot of IDEA Public Charter school sits a greenhouse with the beginnings of a new (healthy) start forthe Deanwood community in Northeast. Students enrolled in the

Help Thy Neighbor: Students Earn & Learn at ACAD Summer Academy

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It’s just after 10 a.m. on a Thursday, and six students are cleaning up fallen tree debris at a home on the corner of 46th and Lee streets in Northeast

Meet the Future 2016 Honors All Classes: Students Aim for Entrepreneurship, Becoming Global Changemakers

By Arnesa A. Howell

Dimitri Cheuko dreams of becoming a professional soccer player. But first he’s attending college to study accounting so he can help others in his home country of Cameroon. Stephanie Parker

Follow Your Dreams

By Arnesa A. Howell

The Meet the Future Luncheon provided a fitting audience for Brig Owens, former Washington Redskins Defensive Back and partner in the boutique sports management firm Bennett & Owens. As put

IDEA Principal Bacchus Talks Integrating CTE, Overcoming Stereotypes

By Arnesa A. Howell

The scenario plays out something like this: A young teen in high school hears there’s a chance to make good money by going the untraditional route. The student is encouraged

Reflections: JOBS Coalition Remembers Board Member I. Margaret White

By Arnesa A. Howell

Ida Margaret White, or I. Margaret White as she was commonly known, was a lady with spark. Just ask any of her fellowJOBS Coalition Board members, who recall her as

The Margaret I Knew

By Arnesa A. Howell

Ida Margaret White was born on Aug. 1, 1924 and died on March 19, 2016, leaving this world and our organization, the JOBS Coalition, much richer because of her presence

Trading Spaces: Move to IDEA PCS Breathes New Life Into Academy of Construction & Design

By Arnesa A. Howell

A massive poster stretches across the side of the school. On it, are the words signaling a new direction in learning: “Build your career at IDEA with the Academy of

Students to Help Community, School With Youth Farmer’s Market

By Arnesa A. Howell

Food deserts: “[U]rban neighborhoods and rural towns without ready access to fresh, healthy and affordable food,” with convenience stores and fast food restaurants as go-to’s when food shopping. – The

Lighting the Minds, Futures of Licensed Electricians

By Arnesa A. Howell

For four years, registered apprentices participated in a special program to help them become licensed apprentices. They devoted their days to working as electrical apprentices, and evenings to learning in

Home Again: Academy Grad Krystal Boone Returns to Her Educational Roots

By Arnesa A. Howell

Just five years ago, Krystal Boone didn’t know what her future held. As a new graduate of the Academy of Construction & Design that year, Boone was focusing on going

A Year of Promise

By Rev. Stephen E. Tucker

One word: Promise. As the JOBS Coalition looks forward to 2015, we remain rooted in our core goal of increasing employment opportunities for the residents of the District of Columbia

Reentry Forum 2015: Families, Support Services Key to Ex-Offender Success

By Arnesa A. Howell

For Avon Hart-Johnson, the issue of mass incarceration for black men hits close to the heart. She remembers her son being taken away when he was 15 years old and

Eddie B. Ellis Jr.: One Man’s Journey

By Arnesa A. Howell

16. 15. 31. Eddie B. Ellis Jr. went to jail at 16 for manslaughter and served 15 years behind bars before coming out at the age of 31. During that

Spotlight on CBC: The 45th Annual Legislative Conference

By Arnesa A. Howell

CTE On the BrainThe Cause for Excellence: Advancing Equity and Engagement in Career and Technical Education, Sept. 17 A stigma is attached to career and technical education (CTE), particularly when

Meet the Future 2015: Awards Luncheon Honors Outstanding Academy Students, McMahon

By Arnesa A. Howell

Fighting to reach academic success amid family struggles. Aiming to transform lifelong dreams into realities. Searching for jobs in construction or money for college in hopes of building brighter futures

‘Don’t Park A Lexus In Front of An Apartment You Rent’ And Other Life Lessons from Jim Vance

By Arnesa A. Howell

Listen to acclaimed NBC4 news anchor Jim Vance for a few minutes, and you’ll quickly discover the unexpected. He didn’t initially want to go to college. He was raised in

A Good ‘IDEA’: Academy of Construction and Design Finds New Home

By Arnesa A. Howell

After almost a decade at the newly christened Francis L. Cardozo Education Campus, the Academy of Construction & Design is moving to its new home at IDEA Public Charter School

Second Chances: Ex-Offender Forums Encourage Peer Support, Employment Stability

By Arnesa A. Howell

It’s just after 9 a.m. on a Saturday morning, and two construction workers are already seated at the tables inside the Miller & Long Cantrall Training Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Leading By Example: Glover Says Ex-Offenders Must ‘Want to Change’

By Arnesa A. Howell

Ask the day his life turned around, and Kenny Glover answers easily: Sept. 25, 1996. It’s a date seared into his mind. The day he knelt in his cell at

Build a (Micro) House, Build a Future

By Arnesa A. Howell

Go big, or go home. It’s an adage well suited for the students of the Academy of Construction & Design at Cardozo Education Campus. In 2012, they constructed the first

ACAD Graduates: Where Are They Now?

By Arnesa A. Howell

2015 marks 10 years since the Academy of Construction and Design (ACAD) at Cardozo Education Campus first opened its doors. And in that time, the Academy has cultivated brighter futures

10 Years, One Story: Students Plus Construction Equals Success

By Arnesa A. Howell

The words are sprawled across the entryway of the Francis L. Cardozo Education Campus west atrium, welcoming past and present students of the Academy of Construction and Design (ACAD). In

Heart-to-Heart for Shelly Karriem

By Arnesa A. Howell

She’s made the difference in many young lives, encouraging students to grow personally and academically through the Academy of Construction and Design (ACAD) at Cardozo Education Campus. She’s given hugs