The award was given to AGC CEF to expand its work through Build California, a comprehensive workforce development initiative uniquely designed to shape positive perceptions of the construction industry, inform young people and their influencers about the real career
opportunities in construction and connect them to local training programs. The SMUD Shine Award will increase Build California’s impact in the Sacramento Area by expanding career exploration, education, and professional development opportunities for over 2,500 additional low-income and underrepresented youth. The goal is to directly serve and impact over 5,000 Sacramento area youth with robust virtual or in-person workforce development efforts, through social media and by connecting them in local school partnerships and with employers from the region.
In alignment with The Shine Awards Program’s Prosperous Economy Sustainable Community Pillar, the AGC CEF seeks to encourage economic development, access and equity for underserved communities through workforce development efforts in the construction industry.
“While Build California is a statewide program, our partnership with the SMUD Shine Award allows us to focus resources, outreach and programmatic efforts in greater Sacramento and provide youth in traditionally marginalized and underrepresented communities, the tools and information they need to navigate the path to the high paying, highly demanded and fulfilling careers that the 21st century construction industry has to offer,” said Erin Volk, Vice President, Workforce & Community Development, AGC and Executive Director, AGC Construction Education Foundation. “We’re grateful for SMUD’s investment in the futures of Sacramento youth.”
Thanks to the generous support from the SMUD Shine Award, AGC CEF will be able to enhance its work focusing on youth aged 12-24 by providing funding assistance for:
- Educator Toolkits for Partner Schools, including Build California resources, materials and swag to be utilized in their classrooms;
- Classroom presentations and job walks for partner schools;
- A “Women Build California” video and graphic image development to reach and encourage girls/young women to consider construction careers; and,
- New curriculum for a “Girls Build California” training and delivery to partner schools.
“We’re proud to partner with local nonprofits to improve our local communities,” said SMUD Board President Nancy Bui-Thompson. “By supporting our community with job training, academic support and community services, we will make a lasting impact in our neighborhoods.”
About the Associated General Contractors of California Construction Education Foundation
The Associated General Contractors of California (AGC) Construction Education foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit benefit corporation dedicated to inspiring, developing, and equipping California’s current and future construction workforce. Through innovative workforce development programs funded by donations, the foundation provides AGC members access to resources, support and training needed to attract, develop and retain California’s construction workforce. To learn more about the AGC Construction Education Foundation, click here.
About SMUD
As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity for almost 75 years to Sacramento County (and small adjoining portions of Placer and Yolo Counties). SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. SMUD’s energy is about 50 percent non-carbon emitting. For more information, visit smud.org.
