Free Girls’ Construction Camps Empower Philadelphia Youth to Explore Skilled Trades Careers

For the 16th summer, local girls entering grades 7 through 12 will get hands-on experience, mentorship and exposure to the construction and skilled trades industries – thanks to the Mentoring young Women in Construction program. This year, the free day camp has expanded its reach once again, with 84 students enrolled across two locations:

• MyWIC Northeast: June 16-27
• MyWIC South: July 7-18

Organized by the NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation and supported by regional partners, including NEST, a national Integrated Facilities Management company based in South Jersey, MyWIC is designed to introduce young women to career paths they may not have previously considered.

Throughout the summer, participants will engage in skill-building workshops, mentorship sessions with industry professionals and hands-on visits to job sites and local trade unions, including carpenters, sheet metal workers, ironworkers, electricians, bricklayers, laborers and other skilled trades. Field trips include tours of the Bellwether District, CHOP’s Roberts Health Center, the Chapel Block at the Navy Yard and the I95 Caping Project.

“Through MyWIC, we’re cultivating the next wave of female leaders in the skilled trades,” said Mary Gaffney, president of the NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation. “Women currently make up less than 10% of the construction workforce, but the demand for skilled professionals has never been greater. This program boosts the girls’ self-confidence and opens their eyes to what’s possible.”

“Before MyWIC, I didn’t even think about construction as a job for someone like me,” said Leah S., a returning high school participant. “Now I can see myself doing this as a career—and I’m not scared to try things I’ve never done before.”