Attracting the Younger Generation to Architecture, Engineering, and Construction: A Perspective on How Workshops Create Interest Among 4th to 6th Graders

10 pages•Published: July 23, 2025

Prem Raj Timilsena, Manideep Tummalapudi, Molly Smith, David Gunderson and Shantanu Kumar

Abstract

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is facing a significant workforce shortage due to an aging labor force and a lack of interest from younger generations. Despite numerous initiatives aimed at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), careers in the AEC fields are still undervalued and poorly understood, especially among younger students. This study addresses this gap by implementing two interactive AEC workshops for 4th to 6th graders in the Fresno Unified School District, exposing 95 students to hands-on learning and mentorship in the construction and architecture fields. The workshops included two sessions — an interactive lecture and a hands-on activity — designed to introduce career concepts and practical skills. Pre- and post-workshop surveys indicated a significant increase in interest in AEC careers, with the number of students expressing interest in construction management or architecture doubling. The data suggests that early exposure through school-based workshops can positively influence career aspirations and help mitigate future workforce shortages. By making AEC concepts accessible and engaging for younger audiences, the study demonstrates that targeted, early interventions can shift perceptions and inspire a new generation toward AEC fields. Expanding such initiatives to even younger age groups could further strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the AEC industry.

Keyphrases: construction career pathways, construction management and architecture, stem education outreach

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 300-309.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/RBM4d
	https://doi.org/10.29007/v5jq

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2025:Attracting_Younger_Generation_Architecture,
  author    = {Prem Raj Timilsena and Manideep Tummalapudi and Molly Smith and David Gunderson and Shantanu Kumar},
  title     = {Attracting the Younger Generation to Architecture, Engineering, and Construction: A Perspective on How Workshops Create Interest Among 4th to 6th Graders},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {6},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/RBM4d},
  doi       = {10.29007/v5jq},
  pages     = {300-309},
  year      = {2025}}

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