CCDI - Construction Career Development Initiative

We are so excited to meet our first cohort of participants in Georgia on the Rivian project! Stay tuned for stories on our collaboration with Construction Ready! A lot of work from more folks than we can even begin to name have spent over a year preparing for this launch. THANK YOU for helping make this possible!

Today was a big one for the Construction Ready Recruitment Team: 19 candidates completed intake for our upcoming class in Social Circle. It launches September 14, and the momentum is real 🙌🏼

With incredible partners including Clayco, Rivian, and CCDI - Construction Career Development Initiative, this is shaping up to be one of our strongest cohorts yet.

Another group soon will be trained, credentialed, and ready to work – and the workforce gap will close a little more 👏🏼

Happy to support our partners in education in St. Louis! We couldn’t do this work without hardworking teachers! Welcome back to school. We hope you have a great school year!

Our staff is learning, too! Yesterday’s orientation gave North Tech staff time to build their knowledge through professional learning sessions designed for the work they do with students. And thanks to our generous partners at CCDI - Construction Career Development Initiative, everyone also enjoyed a great lunch!

CCDI began in St. Louis with the belief that young people deserve access to the education, relationships, and career opportunities that can change their lives. As Clayco expanded into Chicago, we brought that same commitment with us. Today, CCDI Chicago connects local students with scholarships, mentorship, internships, and pathways into architecture, engineering, construction, and the skilled trades.

Last week, our Chicago team hosted the second annual CCDI Hoops to Hard Hats Basketball Tournament and awarded $25,000 in Build Our Future Scholarships to five deserving students representing Wards 7, 10, 18, 20, and 37. In just two years, the tournament has helped provide $55,000 in scholarships to Chicago students as they pursue their educational and career goals.

Thank you to every sponsor, trade partner, volunteer, team, and supporter who made this event possible. A special thank you to: Aldermen Peter Chico & Aldermen Greg Mitchell for helping to select deserving scholars. Shout out to this years top sponsors: Ventana, AR Contract Glazing, Sharlen Electric Company and Helm Group.

Kudos to Mary Person, Sanura Collins Young, Hope Valentine, Dan Lester Sr., and Tony Glover Sr. for helping lead and support this year’s tournament. Together, we are expanding opportunity, investing in Chicago’s next generation, and helping build a stronger future for the city and our industry.

INTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT: We're proud to recognize Kamryn Staten, a recent graduate of Pattonville High School and North Tech, where he completed the Construction Trades program. Kamryn is also one of CCDI's 2026 Build Our Future Scholarship recipients and will begin the next chapter of his journey this fall at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), where he will pursue a degree in Construction Management.

This summer marks Kamryn's second internship with Concrete Strategies LLC. Returning for a second year, Kamryn has had the opportunity to expand his experience by working alongside the CSI office team, giving him valuable insight into the planning, coordination, and collaboration that keep projects moving from start to finish. One of the greatest benefits of an internship is seeing the many career paths within our industry. By experiencing both the field and office environments, Kamryn is developing a well-rounded understanding of construction that will serve him well as he begins college and prepares for a career in the industry.

A sincere thank you to Concrete Strategies for continuing to invest in Kamryn's growth and for welcoming him back for a second summer. We'd also like to recognize the incredible team members who made this internship possible by taking the time to mentor, teach, and encourage Kamryn throughout the summer. Thank you to Andrew Bloomer, Kyle Kammer, Reid Lenhart, Logan Payne, Jeremy Scown, Nick Caruso, and Garry Bals for sharing your expertise and investing in the next generation of construction professionals. Congratulations, Kamryn! We can't wait to see all that you'll accomplish at SIUE and throughout your career.

One week from today, CCDI Chicago's 2nd Annual Hoops & Hard Hats Three-on-Three Tournament tips off! This event is more than a basketball tournament. It is an investment in Chicago's future workforce. Funds raised will support CCDI Chicago internships and Build Our Future Scholarships, helping young people overcome financial barriers as they pursue careers in the construction industry.

A special thank you to Clayco's Sanura Collins Young for leading the coordination of this year's event. Your hard work and commitment have made this tournament possible.

We also want to recognize and thank all of the incredible companies and sponsors who stepped up to support this year's event. Your partnership is creating life-changing opportunities for the next generation of construction professionals, and we are grateful for your investment in our mission.

INTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Meet Sophia Luraschi, a recent graduate of Pattonville High School, a 2026 Build Our Future Scholarship recipient, and an American Family DREAMS Foundation grant recipient supporting her summer internship experience and continued education.

This summer, Sophia is interning with S. M. Wilson & Co - Construction Managers on the Pattonville Heights project, gaining firsthand experience on an active construction site while learning from industry professionals. One of the most unique parts of Sophia's story is that she once attended middle school in the very building where she's now helping bring the next chapter to life. Returning to a place that helped shape her education, this time as a future construction professional, is a full-circle moment that perfectly illustrates the impact of investing in the next generation.

This fall, Sophia will continue her academic and athletic journey at Missouri Baptist University, where she will play collegiate soccer while pursuing a dual degree with an emphasis in Construction Management. We're excited to watch her continue building the knowledge, relationships, and leadership skills that will serve her throughout her career.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire S.M. Wilson team for creating such a meaningful internship experience. We'd especially like to recognize Amanda Bohnert, CPSM and Rebecca Reifel for coordinating this opportunity and investing their time to mentor Sophia throughout the summer. Your guidance is helping shape the future of our industry.

CCDI PHOENIX: Congratulations to Caleb Ash, one of our newest CCDI Scholarship recipients! This scholarship opportunity was made possible through a donor nomination program developed by Bryonna Allen, giving CCDI supporters in Phoenix the opportunity to recognize and invest in deserving students pursuing careers in the construction industry.

Caleb was nominated by Ryan Lien of Performance Contracting, Inc. (PCI), who has known and mentored him for the past eight years. Ryan describes Caleb as someone who consistently demonstrates a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed.

Caleb works part time in the construction industry while attending Arizona State University at night to earn his degree in Construction Management. His commitment to balancing work and education demonstrates the dedication, perseverance, and determination that will serve him well throughout his career. Congratulations, Caleb, on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to watching your continued success!

A special thank you to Ryan Lien, Performance Contracting, and all of our generous donors who are helping create opportunities for the next generation of construction professionals. Your investment is making a lasting impact!

Before you trade in your old vehicle, consider giving it a second life with CCDI. We’re looking for reliable starter cars valued at $5,000 or less with no major mechanical issues. We can match your dealership trade-in value, or if you’d rather donate your vehicle, CCDI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and your donation may be tax-deductible.

A reliable starter car is more than transportation. It’s a pathway to financial stability. Many of the young adults we serve are starting their careers or college while facing financial barriers that can be difficult to overcome.

• 19–22% APR — That’s what many buyers with no credit or poor credit pay to finance a used vehicle.

• $500+ per month — The average monthly payment on a financed used vehicle now exceeds $500.

• Up to $630 per month for insurance — An 18-year-old in Missouri purchasing their own full-coverage policy can average more than $7,500 per year in premiums.

By the time you add fuel, maintenance, registration, and repairs, a financed used car can cost a young adult more than $1,500 every month before they ever pay rent, buy groceries, or save for their future.

A dependable starter car allows a young person to:
✔️ Get to work consistently.
✔️ Build credit responsibly.
✔️ Avoid high-interest financing.
✔️ Learn financial responsibility.
✔️ Stay legal, insured, and on the road.
✔️ Save for their next vehicle instead of falling into debt.

Transportation is workforce development. One reliable vehicle can be the difference between accepting a job offer or turning it down. Between staying in college or dropping out. Between building a future or falling behind. If you’re planning to trade in a reliable vehicle, consider giving it a second life through CCDI. Reach out to [email protected]. Thank you!

We're proud to spotlight Roger Rivera and DeAndre Wyatt, two outstanding CCDI interns spending their summer with Concrete Strategies LLC. Roger is an incoming senior dual enrolled at Pattonville High School and North Tech, where he is enrolled in the Construction Trades program. DeAndre is an incoming senior dual enrolled at Hazelwood Central High School and North Tech, where he is pursuing Carpentry.

Since the start of their internships, Roger and DeAndre have stayed busy contributing to a variety of projects throughout the Concrete Strategies facility in Hazelwood. From cleaning and organizing the shop and trailers to building shipping crates, painting, and completing improvement projects on the second floor of the building, they've gained firsthand experience while learning the importance of teamwork, craftsmanship, and taking pride in every task. These experiences are helping them build the foundation for successful careers in the skilled trades.

After graduation, Roger hopes to pursue a career as a cement mason, while DeAndre plans to enter the residential or commercial carpentry industry. A special thank you to Lonnie DeClue for mentoring Roger and DeAndre this summer. By exposing them to multiple trades and taking the time to teach, coach, and encourage them throughout their internship, you've helped provide an experience that extends far beyond the classroom. We also want to thank Garry Bals for his continued support of CCDI's internship program and workforce development efforts.

Finally, thank you to Patrick Moriarity and the entire Concrete Strategies team for your long-standing partnership with CCDI. As one of our top program sponsors, your investment is helping prepare the next generation of skilled construction professionals.

We're proud to spotlight Daron Phillips, a rising senior at McCluer North High School and North Tech. This summer, Daron is interning with Villa Lighting Supply where he's gaining valuable hands-on experience in the electrical industry.

Throughout his internship, Daron has learned how to fill and prepare customer orders for shipment while also assembling electrical control panels that will be packaged and delivered to job sites. These experiences are giving him a firsthand look at the craftsmanship, precision, and teamwork that power the construction industry. As Daron enters his senior year at North Tech, he plans to continue building his skills in the Electrical Trades program and pursue a career in the electrical industry after graduation.

A special thank you to Matt Villa for continuing to invest in the next generation of industry professionals. Your commitment to providing meaningful summer internship opportunities year after year—and the positive culture you've built at Villa Lighting—makes a lasting impact on students like Daron.

We'd also like to thank Matt Shipp for mentoring our students this summer and sharing his knowledge and experience, as well as the entire Villa Lighting team for making Daron feel like part of the team. Together, we're helping students discover their potential and Building the Foundation for Change.