Dive Brief:
- The Girl Scouts and the National Association of Homebuilders are teaming up to create a new patch and charm program in an effort to spark girls' early interest in construction and build their self-esteem, according to an NAHB press release.
- The patch is based on the NAHB Utah Chapter of Professional Women in Building Council's "The House That She Built" book, which aims to introduce young people to the professionals and skills that go into building a home, such as architects and roofers. It's based on the real story of more than 100 women from around the U.S. who built a home in Utah, many of whom are former Girl Scouts, according to the release.
- The program launched at the end of March with Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast, but is now available to scouts across the country.
Dive Insight:
Women make up only about 3% of the construction laborer workforce, according to the Department of Labor. The worker shortage is an ongoing issue in construction, and contractors are seeking ways to bulk up the pipeline and bring in more women and people of color, who have historically been underrepresented in the industry.
"We are so proud to be able to work with the Girl Scouts to introduce and empower young girls to learn about the construction industry," said NAHB First Vice Chairman Alicia Huey, a custom home builder from Birmingham, Alabama, in a press release. "We hope that this program helps to drive curiosity, expose them to new career paths and be a fun learning experience."
In order to earn The House That She Built patch, the Girl Scouts will meet "The House that She Built" author Mollie Elkman, the general contractor and other women involved in the project, and will participate in other hands-on activities to help them explore careers in building.
"The Girl Scouts is the perfect organization for us to partner with to help inspire the next generation of young women," said Elkman in a press release. "I'm excited to show them the book and introduce them to some amazing women in the construction industry."
Proceeds from the book will go towards NAHB's skilled workforce development and diversity and inclusion efforts, according to the release.
