NAHB’s third annual Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Student Leadership program held a three-day learning, networking and development meeting in Washington, D.C. The program is a key initiative to help educate and inspire the next generation of building professionals.

HBCU students attended these meetings from around the country, including:

• Florida A&M University,
• Southern University and A&M College – Baton Rouge,
• Prairie View A&M University,
• Lawson State Community College,
• North Carolina A&T,
• Tuskegee University,
• Morgan State University,
• University of Maryland – Eastern Shore,
• Alabama A&M University and
• Norfolk State University.

Building a Network

The 20-student cohort learned various lessons from professionals and HBA staff, including how to get involved with NAHB and how to market themselves for jobs and internships on LinkedIn.

“I’m looking forward to building connections in the networking experiences with my peers, as well as the professionals and industry leads here in D.C.,” said Sidni Elise Smith, a student at Lawson State Community College. “I’m also looking forward to exploring different avenues in construction and hopefully settling on one.”

Christopher Smith Jr., a student at the University of Maryland – Eastern Shore who is looking to start a career as a risk analyst or risk management specialist, was encouraged to join the cohort by one of his school’s administrative assistants. 

“I’m hoping to form more connections, and I am looking forward to networking with people in the field that I’m looking to specialize in,” said Smith.

To help market themselves, NAHB Student Chapter Advisory Board Member Dr. Charner Rodgers encouraged students to write an elevator pitch. She built their confidence as they read the pitches in front of their peers.

Gaining Construction Skills

During their visit, students learned about the multiple stages of home construction at a development site in Woodbridge, Va., courtesy of an on-site tour from Tom Hyde, COO at Miller & Smith.

Safety in construction is an important element of the job. Students were informed about the proper use of personal protective equipment and how it can protect them from common hazards on the jobsite.

The following speakers also outlined current trends in construction and how they may impact students’ careers during a panel discussion:

• Doug Higgins, regional president at America’s Home Place,
• Alicia Cox Skoug, division president at Drees Homes,
• Stephanie Smith, partner/vice president at Elm Street Development, and
• Bobby Thompson, director of operations at Beazer Homes.

Putting Their Knowledge into Action

Students learned about the semester-long Student Competition that will take place Feb. 16-18 in Orlando at the International Builders’ Show (IBS). The competition gives students a chance to apply the skills they’ve learned in the classroom to complete real-world project management proposals that are graded by a host of judges. Alumni of the competition are known use the experience to succeed at future internships and full-time positions.

The cohort will have an opportunity to continue their leadership development and exposure to residential construction at IBS. Travel for these students is generously supported by the National Housing Endowment.

The HBCU Student Leadership program was established in 2023 to equip diverse, young adults with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the construction industry. Learn more about how the program has shaped the futures of its alumni.