Young Women Inspired to Pursue Construction Careers at Design & Build Camp by DPR, Girls Inc.

By creating space for young women to discover and learn in a practical setting, DPR Construction and Girls Inc. are helping participants see themselves as future builders, engineers and leaders. That mission came to life at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia project site with joint venture partner L.F. Driscoll. DPR hosted a two-day Design & Build Camp. With a projected shortage of over two million skilled tradespeople by 2030 and women holding less than 4% of labor-based construction roles, diversifying the workforce is more urgent than ever. While the camp supports efforts to close this gap, its deeper purpose is rooted in community: empowering girls with the confidence, mentorship and exposure to pursue careers they may never have considered.

The DPR team welcomed 25 girls aged 10-14 for an immersive introduction to the construction industry at the Roberts Children’s Health jobsite. The camp offered hands-on experiences that introduced participants to the tools, technologies and teamwork that are hallmarks of construction work. From carpentry and safety demonstrations to virtual reality walkthroughs and creative engineering challenges, the experience gave campers a behind-the-scenes look at the construction world—and a chance to see themselves in it.

“This camp wasn’t just about learning new skills—it was about expanding what our girls believe is possible,” said Lillian Knoerzer, partnership manager at Girls Inc. “When girls are surrounded by people who believe in them and invest in their growth, they begin to see themselves as innovators and changemakers. That’s the power of this partnership—it helps girls step into their strength and envision bold futures.”