Download PDFOpen PDF in browserIncreasing Diversity in Construction Management using Hands-On Activities and VR Technology at the Middle School Level10 pages•Published: July 23, 2025AbstractIncreasing diversity in construction management (CM) benefits the profession by bringing multiple perspectives and skill sets, improving project outcomes, and helping alleviate the problem of current and projected vacancies in CM while simultaneously providing opportunities for future construction managers such as fulfilling careers and higher pay. This study advances understanding of whether an intervention at the middle school level, in this case a hands-on workshop, results in an increased interest in pursuing CM as a career. The workshop included site logistics planning, target value delivery, and a quantification exercise using Meta Quest 2 VR headsets. Participant understanding of, and interest in, CM before and after the workshop were determined through deployment of surveys with a combination of multiple choice and open-ended questions. Surveys also included participant demographic questions. 41 students aged 10-15 years old participated in our study. Our analysis found that interest in CM increased significantly post-workshop. Increased interest was not impacted by the students’ gender or having family members in construction.Keyphrases: construction management education, diversity and inclusion, virtual environment In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 1-10.
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