October 13, 2025

DPR Construction’s Build Up High School Internship Program Empowers Local Youth

News Summary

DPR Construction’s Build Up High School Internship program offers valuable hands-on experience in the construction industry for local students. Launched in 2017, the program focuses on diversity by providing underrepresented youth, especially those from low-income families, with a paid, eight-week internship. Participants gain exposure to construction management, technical training, and essential business skills, with many advancing to college internships and full-time positions. The program has welcomed numerous interns over the years while highlighting the importance of inclusivity and skill development.

Fremont, CA – DPR Construction’s Build Up High School Internship program continues to empower local high school students with valuable practical experience in the construction industry. Launched in 2017, this initiative aims to foster diversity and skill development within the sector by providing underrepresented youth, particularly those from low-income families, with an opportunity to learn and grow.

The Build Up program is an eight-week paid internship designed specifically for high school juniors and seniors. Interns engage in full-time work, earning competitive hourly wages while gaining comprehensive exposure to various aspects of construction management, including project planning and advanced technology usage. A total of over 160 students have participated since the program’s inception, with positive outcomes reflected in the fact that 22% of these participants have returned as college interns, and some have progressed into full-time roles at DPR Construction.

In 2025, the program welcomed 31 interns, emphasizing its ongoing growth and commitment to fostering a diverse workforce. Remaining true to its mission, the Build Up program targets students who meet the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) low-income standards. This year, approximately 75% of the interns are from families classified as first-generation college students. Additionally, the program has made strides in addressing the gender gap in the construction industry, with nearly 50% of participants being young women.

Skill Development and Training

The hands-on experience provided by the Build Up program equips interns with essential business skills such as communication, time management, and technical training. Participants are introduced to safety protocols, innovative construction technologies, and tools required for managing multi-million-dollar projects. They also receive training on industry-standard software like BIM 360, CMIC, HammerTech, and Primavera, enhancing their technical capabilities.

To conclude their internship, participants prepare and deliver a final presentation focused on their project management activities and overall learning experience. This opportunity not only bolsters their public speaking skills but also allows them to reflect on their acquired knowledge and future aspirations.

Impact on Students and Local Community

The impact of the Build Up program is evident through the experiences of former interns such as Selome Muruts, who transitioned from a high school intern to a college intern and is currently pursuing a degree in civil engineering. This highlights how the program serves as a significant launchpad for students’ careers, promoting mentorship, skill-building, and exploration of potential pathways within the construction industry.

DPR Construction’s Community Initiatives Leader notes that the Build Up program’s emphasis on education and inclusion significantly contributes to improving diversity within the construction workforce. As the program reflects the communities in which DPR operates, its focus on fostering a skilled and confident future workforce ensures its relevance and impact.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, DPR Construction is committed to expanding the Build Up internship program. The organization continues to seek ways to enhance its inclusivity and educational components, aiming to create more opportunities for students in the coming years. The success of this initiative not only transforms the lives of aspiring professionals but also has a lasting positive impact on the local community and the construction industry as a whole.