Inspiring Future Builders: Equipping Youth Through Career Exploration

At the future Baltimore Ravens Boys & Girls Club at Hilton Recreation Center project site, high school students from Green Street Academy, a local charter school serving youth in grades 6-12, are gaining invaluable hands-on exposure to architecture, construction, and engineering. Through a six-part educational series hosted by The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company in collaboration with Design Collective Inc. (DCI) and other project consultants, students are developing leadership skills and career aspirations while exploring real-world industry concepts. 

This initiative helps level the opportunity gap by connecting students with industry experts, cutting-edge technology, and hands-on learning experiences that equip them with the confidence to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, and project management. Importantly, the new Boys & Girls Club will serve Green Street Academy students and other students from surrounding schools, ensuring that they have direct access to the resources and support they need for great futures. 

The series launched in October 2024 with an engaging introduction to architectural and construction fundamentals, including project cycles and key terminology. Students also took a Virtual Reality tour of the existing structure, formerly the Hilton Recreation Center, using Revit Modeling, allowing them to immerse themselves in the design process. 

Building on this foundation, the second session, led by Whiting-Turner’s Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) engineer, Christy Matthew, introduced Navisworks, a software used to merge subcontractor models and detect construction conflicts. Students engaged in clash detection and learning how to resolve issues before materials are installed—an essential skill for project coordination. 

In the third session, MK Consulting Engineers explored the complexities of civil engineering through the design of a turf field, highlighting factors such as drainage, material selection, and environmental impact. Next, Whiting-Turner Superintendent Craig Shanahan led a session about leadership on a construction site, emphasizing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Students participated in an outdoor demonstration on shallow and deep foundations, followed by an interactive concrete truck presentation from Vulcan, showcasing how concrete is mixed, transported, and poured. 

“The students' enthusiasm was greatly appreciated and I really enjoyed spending time with the class,” shared Superintendent Craig Shanahan. “I hope that this educational series will make an impact on the students’ futures.” 

In the coming months, students will participate in two additional sessions focused on project management and construction finishes. Through this partnership with Whiting-Turner and Green Street Academy, we are equipping youth with the skills, experiences, and mentorship they need to explore careers, develop leadership, and build confidence in their futures. By bridging education with real-world experience, we aim to inspire the next generation of builders, engineers, and architects while ensuring that the new Baltimore Ravens Boys & Girls Club continues to serve as a vital resource for Green Street Academy students and other students in the community. 

“I just wanted to say thank you for coming to our class and presenting your presentation. You and your crew really motivated me to pursue my career interest further. Maybe one day I can be a part of such a great company as The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company.”—Jeremiah, Green Street Academy student 

Learn more about the Ravens Boys & Girls Club at Hilton Recreation Center here.