(PHILADELPHIA, JULY-AUG 2022) Middle school and high school age girls from the Philadelphia area will attend a free in-person construction camp this summer to provide real-world experience, mentorship, and education about the opportunities that exist in the construction industry, regardless of gender.
The camp is called MyWIC, which stands for Mentoring young Women In Construction, and will take place two days per week in Philadelphia between July 6 and August 10, 2022. MyWIC is run by the NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation, which partners with the local union trade training centers and Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey to make the camp a reality.
Campers will experience several construction trades as they build skills through multiple hands-on activities. Through other individual and group activities, the girls will also gain effectiveness in problem solving and managing team dynamics.
“Many girls are unaware that a career in construction can be extremely fun and financially rewarding,” said Mary Gaffney, NAWIC Phila. Foundation President. “Through the MyWIC camp, we explore the construction trades through real hands-on experience while working side-by-side with other women with careers in the industry. We promote construction awareness as well as leadership and team-building skills to help them build self-confidence, and boost their overall self-image. The local trade unions provide a day of education and insight into the training they provide their members while having the girls complete a building task. Without their partnership and the donations from local organizations, we would not be able to share our passion for the construction industry”.
Women account for 10% of the construction workforce and 3% of the craft workforce. As a shortage of construction workers continues to plague the industry, the need for women to fill these critical roles increases. Careers in Construction offer competitive salaries, unparalleled skills, potential for leadership growth, and a feeling of satisfaction.
The day camps will take place at several locations throughout the Philadelphia area during the months of July (6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 26th, 27th) and August (2nd, 3rd, 9th, and 10th).
NOTE FOR MEDIA: To request to cover a day camp and/or conduct interviews, please email Mary Gaffney at Mary@gemmsi.com.
About Mentoring Young Women In Construction
Mentoring young Women In Construction (MyWIC) is a free, construction industry, day camp for 7th through 12th-grade girls in the Philadelphia region. MyWIC is organized and run by the NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation, a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, and sponsored by various organizations throughout the Philadelphia region.
About the National Association of Women in Construction
With more than 115 chapters across the country, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) offers its members education, support, and networking to help advance women’s careers in construction, build their technical skills, and become leaders. NAWIC’s core purpose is to strengthen and amplify the success of women in the construction industry from tradeswomen to business owners. The Philadelphia Chapter of NAWIC and the NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation are volunteer organizations. To learn more about NAWIC, visit NAWICPF.org or follow NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation on LinkedIn.
Contact: Mary Gaffney
NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation
610-742-3156 mobile