TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: David Weatherspoon, Interim Director, Neighborhood and Community Services
THROUGH: Neal de Jesus, Interim City Manager
DATE: August 20, 2019
Title
GIRLS GO BUILD PRESENTATION
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
This is a presentation - no action required.
Body
Background:
In the fall of 2018, the City launched Go Build Delray that targeted local construction, real estate and development firms to help build a stronger and more robust talent pipeline. Many workers in the construction industry sector will reach retirement age in the next five to ten years while the industry skills gap continues to widen. To close this gap, it is necessary to start with our youths and assist with alignment of education and workforce readiness. Programs need to be developed to provide youths with the exposure and knowledge of technical trade options to meet our future employments needs.
In an effort to address these issues, a Girls Go Build Club pilot program was created and launched this summer at the Milagro Teen Center. Approximately 18 girls participated in the program from 6th, 7th and 8th grades that attend either Carver Middle School, Village Academy, or South Tech schools. The Girls Go Build Club introduced these middle school girls to the vast opportunities available in the local construction industry while at the same time, enhancing each participants' math skills towards Florida Standard Assessment Test (FSA) proficiency. The program consisted of eight, two-hour sessions with community partners engaged in each lesson. As examples, DPR Construction taught power tool safety. Hessler Paints and Ace Hardware taught the girls interior decorating tips and painting skills. Habitat for Humanity supplied pink tool bags with a full set of working tools from Home Depot. South Tech Schools provided STEM-related material, including math lessons for each session and their graphic art division developed the logo for the program. In all, more than a dozen community partners joined in the effort and mentored these young girls over the summer.
This presentation is to inform the City Commission about the Girls Go Build Club and its outcomes. It is also an opportunity to thank our industry partners for their committed efforts to make this program a huge success this summer.
City Attorney Review:
N/A
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
N/A
Timing of Request:
N/A