Overview
The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and If I Had a Hammer partnered to provide NCCER-accredited community colleges with an opportunity to help increase enrollment in construction programs and build pipelines with local high schools.
The HammerBuild experience promotes the value of applied math, goal setting, teamwork and workforce skills.
- Bring students to your campus for an interactive field trip that combines applied math, construction, and the opportunity to promote your programs.
- Connect with high school administrators and instructors to increase awareness of your construction programs and build pipelines.
- Offer a unique experience that provides the opportunity for contractors to interact with your program instructors and encourage students to choose a construction pathway.
Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) is committed to reducing barriers to success in the lives of youth and working age adults in our community. Financial burdens, lack of transportation, history of justice-involvement, and other socio-economic factors can deter individuals from pursuing training and education.
As an example of impact, on April 6, 2023, high school students from Istrouma High School joined Baton Rouge Community College and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) to host a Hammer House Build Experience for local educators, construction leaders, and invited high school students to the BRCC Acadian Site. In two hours, 15 students from Istrouma High School built a small house using applied mathematics with real construction materials and tools such as hammers, drills, tape measures and calculators. When complete, the house was large enough for the entire class to get inside.
During the build experience, students with various mechanical aptitudes and mathematical skills joined in an extremely engaging activity. For some, it was the first time using a drill and tape measure. These experiences, with additional skilled craft training in construction and manufacturing, directly support the college’s value proposition to students, business and industry partners, and community.
BRCC is excited and grateful to be a partner with NCCER and “If I Had A Hammer.” This initiative embodies an enhanced framework that combines hands-on learning with mathematical and critical thinking skills.”
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