Departments — September/October 2006

E.Y.E.S. Program Enhances Industry Diversity

AGC of Ohio member firm helps mentor next generation of construction professionals

Evans N. Nwankwo President Megen Construction Co. Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio Born: Northern Nigeria, the seventh of 13 children Age: 49 Education > Bachelor's Degree, Building Construction Engineering, Texas A&M (1982) Experience > Twelve years with Turner Construction Co., earned Certified Professional Estimator designation > Started Megen Construction Co. in the basement of his home in 1993. The company name is partly a tribute to his mother Margaret ("Meg"), combined with his own initials ("en"). AGC member since 1999 > Winner of the 2005 Build America Award for the Freedom Center > Named Midwest Region Construction Firm of the Year in 2004 by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency > Named the 12th fastest-growing company in Greater Cincinnati by the Cincinnati Business Courier in 2005 Key Megen Projects Fountain Square revitalization, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, Great American Ball Park E-mail: enwankwo@megenconstruction.com Web site: www.megenconstruction.com

Construction leaders often talk about the need for more diversity in recruiting and training the next generation of industry professionals. A team led by AGC firms in Ohio is doing something about it.

Cincinatti general contractor Megen Construction-working with partner firms GBBN Architects, DNK Architects and fellow AGC member Messer Construction-helped create the Engaging Youth in Engineering & Science (E.Y.E.S.) Program. It strengthens both the quantity and quality of Cincinnati's minority students who are involved in construction and architecture.

"Leaders in our industry need to actively grow the next generation of workers," says Megen Construction founder Evans Nwankwo. "It's important to provide young people with opportunities to learn about career paths, explore industries, get experience in the field, and finally, offer them employment. If we want young people to be interested in construction, we need to show them why it's such a great career."

Nwankwo and his industry colleagues created E.Y.E.S. specifically to expose African-American high school students to hands-on opportunities in the industry. Qualified students can apply during their sophomore year. Those selected for the program then spend alternating summers working with a Cincinnati architecture firm (GBBN or DNK) and a construction firm (Megen or Messer).

Students learn about the day-to-day aspects of construction management and architecture by spending time on jobsites, helping develop proposals and bids and communicating with subcontractors. They also learn why designers and constructors chose their respective professions and what classes are required for success in each field.

If students maintain the required 2.5 grade-point average and meet program objectives, they can continue in it every summer until they graduate from college - then, they are considered by officials of the participating firms for full-time employment.

E.Y.E.S. was born during Nwankwo's 2002-2003 "Leadership Cincinnati" class. Each class divides into small groups to tackle a challenge facing the region. Nwankwo's group included executives from the three partner firms, plus a Sycamore school district superintendent and a volunteer youth mentor. Launched in the summer of 2003, the program has just completed its fourth year.

Nwankwo would like to see other AGC firms and regions implement similar programs. "We designed E.Y.E.S. so that other companies could take our template and easily replicate it," he says. "It's true that a venture like this requires investing time and resources. However, just as constructing a great building requires quality materials, time and effort, so too does building a great company and a great industry.

"It's rewarding to work with these young people and see them get excited about our profession the same way we did when we were younger. It's a great way to introduce young people to the industry. For all of us involved, the payoff is stronger future constructors."