Building the Future: 17,000+ Students Impacted Through 2025-2026 CIEF Programs

Over the past several months, the Construction Industry Education Foundation Design Build Competition® brought together students, educators, mentors, volunteers, sponsors, and industry leaders across the country for another remarkable season of hands-on learning and workforce development. Across all 9 competitions, 2,358 students were impacted. 

What began decades ago as an educational initiative has grown into one of the construction industry’s most impactful workforce development programs — connecting students to real-world experience, career pathways, and meaningful mentorship opportunities.

With the Design Build Competition® over for this year, CIEF has impacted more than 17,000 students across multiple regions throughout California, Texas, Indiana, Oregon, and Nevada.

From the first sketches and construction plans to the final build days and awards ceremonies, students stepped beyond the classroom and into real project environments where teamwork, leadership, craftsmanship, and creativity took center stage.

17,000+
students served

25-26
fiscal year

Hands-On Learning with Real-World Impact

Throughout the season, students collaborated with teammates, instructors, mentors, and industry professionals while gaining firsthand exposure to the construction industry through practical, immersive learning experiences.
Participants strengthened skills in:

• Construction and craftsmanship
• Team collaboration
• Communication and leadership
• Safety and jobsite awareness
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Design and project planning

For many students, the experience provided their first opportunity to work with professional tools and materials, engage directly with industry mentors, and explore career paths they may have never previously considered.
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“This was our first year participating, and it completely blew my mind when I saw this,” said Mr. Matthews of Wisdom High School (Houston ISD). “My favorite part is watching the kids learn and grow through real-world experience.”

This was our first year participating, and it completely blew my mind when I saw this"

Workforce Development in Action

The Design Build Competition® continues to demonstrate the powerful connection between education and industry.

What begins as mentorship in the classroom can evolve into real career opportunities.

One example is Claude, a former Design Build Competition® participant whose school team was sponsored by CMC. Today, Claude now works with the same company that once supported his team — a full-circle example of how workforce development partnerships can directly influence students’ futures and create meaningful career pathways.

Stories like these highlight the lasting impact created when educators, sponsors, and industry leaders invest in the next generation of builders.

Building More Than Structures

While the competition showcases impressive student-built structures and technical skill, the impact extends far beyond competition day.

This season, several student-built projects will continue serving local communities and charitable causes after the events concluded. Some structures are being donated to organizations supporting individuals and families in need, further demonstrating how these projects can create meaningful impact beyond the jobsite.

The Design Build Competition® is not simply about building structures — it is about building confidence, opportunity, leadership, and community connection.

A Collaborative Effort Across the Industry

The success of this season would not have been possible without the support of sponsors, volunteers, educators, judges, mentors, and industry professionals who dedicated their time, expertise, and resources to supporting students throughout the process.

Their investment continues to strengthen workforce development efforts while helping students discover meaningful futures within the construction industry.

From local companies mentoring teams to organizations sponsoring scholarships, tools, materials, and event support, the industry’s commitment to the next generation was visible throughout every region this season.

​Explore Recent Competition Recaps

As the final competitions wrapped up over the past several weeks, excitement and momentum continued across the country.
Be sure to explore some of our most recent competition recaps and event photo galleries from:

• DFW Design Build Competition® | EVENT PHOTOS | RECAP (WINNERS & SCHOLARSHIPS)
• NorCal Design Build Competition® | EVENT PHOTOS | RECAP (WINNERS & SCHOLARSHIPS)
• Oregon Design Build Competition® | EVENT PHOTOS | RECAP (WINNERS & SCHOLARSHIPS) - COMING SOON

Additional student stories, interviews, project highlights, and community impact features will be shared in the coming weeks as we continue celebrating the incredible individuals and partnerships that made this season possible.

Looking Ahead

As another remarkable Design Build Competition® season comes to a close, one thing remains clear: the future of the construction industry is being shaped by students who are eager to learn, create, collaborate, and lead.

To every student, educator, mentor, sponsor, volunteer, and supporter who helped make this season possible — thank you for helping build the future.