DPU students, F.A. Wilhelm Construction build kids up

Students from Tzouanakis Intermediate School, 13 children in grades 3-5, and their DePauw University student mentors recently met on campus to learn the steps in constructing a building. Five Wilhelm employee volunteers led the kids and mentors in a search-and-find game about estimating and making birdhouses. The children also explored a concrete pump truck and asked questions of its operator.

Courtesy photo

In a special community partnership, students from the DePauw University chapter of College Mentors for Kids and employees from F.A. Wilhelm Construction are exposing local children to careers in construction through estimating, planning, safety and other aspects.

Students from Tzouanakis Intermediate School, 13 students in grades 3-5, and their DPU student mentors recently met on campus to learn the steps in constructing a building. Five Wilhelm employee volunteers led the kids and mentors in a search-and-find game about estimating and making birdhouses. The children also explored a concrete pump truck and asked questions of its operator.

“I enjoy any opportunity to pour into our youth,” Jetta Vaughn, talent acquisition specialist for Wilhelm, said. “College Mentors for Kids allows our company to share various career opportunities offered in our industry to help little buddies realize what they can achieve. I truly believe in the phrase ‘what they see, they will be.’ While visiting DePauw, I got to see the role a mentor can play in a child’s life. The enthusiasm the little buddies displayed during our presentation and activity made the trip well worth it.”

Tom Huettner, a DPU student and College Mentors for Kids’ president, said, “Thanks to Wilhelm, our kids — and their mentors — broadened their view of what careers in construction look like. Building a birdhouse with their mentors helped little buddies learn the importance of craftsmanship and creating a project in a collaborative manner.”

For more information about College Mentors for Kids, visit collegementors.org.