Construction Students Partner with Nonprofit to Build Outdoor Learning Center at Elementary School

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – As part of their training and education experience at Brasfield & Gorrie, co-ops and interns joined local organization YouthServe to build an outdoor learning center and box gardens at Bertram A. Hudson K-8 School, a Birmingham, Alabama school located in a community impacted by environmental effects of pollution.

Bertram A. Hudson K-8 School is an elementary school near the Collegeville community. Industrial activities in the area have affected the environment, leading to the EPA’s involvement in the community. High pollution levels have contaminated the soil, making it difficult for residents to grow fresh food and limiting outdoor learning opportunities for students.

In past months, a group of Hudson students has worked to raise awareness of the issue. The Hudson Student Changemakers Council fundraised in hopes of transforming land behind their school into an outdoor learning area.

Co-ops, interns and employees from Brasfield & Gorrie joined YouthServe to help bring the students’ vision to life.

“It is our hope that Hudson students and members of the community will enjoy this outdoor learning space for years to come. This project provided a meaningful opportunity for us to partner with YouthServe, while making an impact in two areas that are very important to our company: sustainability and student development,” said Brasfield & Gorrie Corporate Responsibility Manager Natalie Kelly.

As a result of these efforts, Hudson students will gain a safe area for outdoor activities where they will learn about agriculture, nutrition and the importance of environmental conservation. The area will also serve as a space that can host community events.