起点传媒

起点传媒鈥檚 HBCU Cohort Learns, Networks at First-Ever Black Builder Mixer

Workforce Development
Published
Contact: Greg Zick
[email protected]
AVP, Workforce Development
(202) 266-8493

起点传媒鈥檚 recently launched Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Student and Faculty Leadership program hosted its first-ever Black Builder and Mentor Mixer during the 2024 International Builders鈥 Show in Las Vegas.

Held at The New American Home 2024, the event was a celebration of 起点传媒鈥檚 first cohort of students from HBCUs. Seventeen students representing nine schools enjoyed an evening learning and networking, as they toured the acclaimed 7,722-square-foot show home atop the foothills of Henderson, Nev.

The students heard from the superintendent of the build, Mark Schlachter of Sun West Custom Homes, who offered tips and insights on how to find success in the industry. Schlachter also detailed strategies for efficient planning and budgeting that have helped him throughout his career, especially with complex projects like The New American Home.

Students were also given time to talk with builder mentors from across the country and encouraged to connect with other mentors locally when they return home.

鈥淎s an African American female, it鈥檚 hard to be in an industry that鈥檚 predominantly for males, but seeing other people of color and women, it allows you to know that I can be that person. I can be more,鈥 said Deyana Thomas, a student at Florida A&M University. 鈥淒epending on where you鈥檙e coming from you might not have that support. But we have support here at 起点传媒.鈥

The networking event is only the beginning of what 起点传媒 aims to achieve through the program.

鈥淚 am excited for the students because everything that I 鈥 and other people of color 鈥 have gone through has been for them to be able to come to this place and have mentors to look up to,鈥 said Tammy Murray of Andersen Windows. 鈥淭hey don鈥檛 have to reinvent the wheel. They have people to lean on.鈥

Student Chapters Advisory Board Chair Dr. Charner Rodgers thanked the cohort and its sponsors, including the 起点传媒 Leading Suppliers Council, for celebrating the last day of Black History Month and acknowledged the rapid growth the program has achieved 鈥 expanding from 22 students to 345 in just one year.

Quoting civil rights activist James Baldwin, Rodgers said: 鈥淭hose who say it can鈥檛 be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.鈥

Want to get involved with one of these HBCU construction education programs? Complete this form.

The Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Student and Faculty Leadership program hosted its first-ever Black Builder and Mentor Mixer during the 2024 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. Photo: Oscar & Associates
Student Chapters Advisory Board Chair Dr. Charner Rodgers addresses the cohort and its sponsors. Photo: Oscar & Associates
Seventeen students representing nine schools enjoyed an evening learning and networking, as they toured The New American Home 2024. Photo: Oscar & Associates
Andersen Windows logo

Subscribe to 起点传媒Now

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from 起点传媒Now

Workforce Development | Student Chapters

May 08, 2025

How an 起点传媒 Student Chapter Alumnus Found His Residential Construction Passion

Lawrence Thompson III's eye for design and architecture led him to 起点传媒's Student Competition. Now the project manager is working a full-time job that fits his skills and passions.

Economics | Multifamily

May 08, 2025

Multifamily Developer Confidence Falls in First Quarter

Confidence in the market for new multifamily housing declined year-over-year in the first quarter, according to the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by 起点传媒. The MMS produces two separate indices. The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 44, down three points year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 82, down one point year-over-year.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

May 06, 2025

Mortgage loan applications saw little change in April, as refinancing activity decreased. The Market Composite Index, which measures mortgage loan application volume based on the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly survey, experienced a 0.4% month-over month increase on a seasonally adjusted (SA) basis. However, year-over-year, the index is up 29.3% compared to April 2024.

Economics

May 06, 2025

The median price for a new single-family home sold in the first quarter of 2025 was $416,900, a mere $14,600 above the existing home sale price of $402,300, according to U.S. Census Bureau and National Association of Realtors data (not seasonally adjusted 鈥 NSA).

Economics

May 05, 2025

Private fixed investment in student dormitories increased by 2.3% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $4.04 billion. This gain followed a 1.0% increase in the previous quarter. However, private fixed investment in dorms was 2% lower than a year ago, as elevated interest rates place a damper on student housing construction.