Youth Construct

02/06/2026

On February 3, 2026, Youth Construct students dove into Construction Contract Administration with Nelly Vasquez, Director of Inclusion at Turner Construction. Building on last week’s Procurement Strategies module, students connected how contract selection directly impacts project delivery.

Through an interactive exercise, teams acted as owners of a 51-unit residential project, comparing GMP, Cost Plus, and Lump Sum contracts to assess risk, cost control, and complexity then, presented their recommendations.

Nelly also offered direct insight on standing out as a Turner intern, reminding students:

“I’ve been interviewing you since you walked into this room.”

A powerful lesson in professionalism, presence, and engagement.

Huge thanks to Nelly, one of Youth Construct’s strongest champions and the driving force behind our partnership with Turner Construction for five cohorts and counting.

01/30/2026

On January 27, 2026, Youth Construct students learned directly from Kevin Chase, Director of Lean at Turner Construction Company, during an engaging session on Procurement Strategies in Construction. Kevin kicked things off with a quick round of introductions (name, school, borough, and a fun fact) including staff, creating a relaxed, welcoming space for connection and learning. Student feedback showed this simple exercise helped boost confidence, engagement, and readiness to learn.

Students explored how contractors and owners evaluate bids beyond just “lowest price,” examining financial stability, safety records, qualifications, and bid completeness. The lesson was reinforced through real-world scenarios and interactive group activities.

To close out the month, this session was also tied into our January cumulative Kahoot review, allowing students to test their knowledge retention across all January classes to reinforce key concepts from project management, procurement, and industry fundamentals.

Huge thanks to Kevin for delivering impactful instruction and helping students connect classroom learning to real construction practices.

🎁 In the spirit of giving, we appreciate your donations to continue to keep our mission alive: Together, we can reach $50,000 to sustain and grow this impact of access, opportunities, and alternatives: https://lnkd.in/eTMyi5ya

01/27/2026

On January 22, 2026, Youth Construct students officially launched the first round of our annual Urban Development Project!

Working across Insurance, Development, Marketing, Design, and Finance, students are building real-world skills in urban planning, architecture, and real estate development through a hands-on renovation project. Team captains are selected each round, giving students the opportunity to step into leadership roles and strengthen collaboration.

This year’s focus site is a Harlem brownstone, a 9-unit SRO (Single Room Occupancy) building being legally converted into a two-family residence with one office space. Teams will complete monthly deliverables and present their work, with the top two teams recognized at graduation in June.

Students arrived excited and a little nervous, but finished strong.

“Presenting and seeing other teams’ work made me more confident about our next project and presentation.”

Special thanks to our Curriculum Chair and Board Member, Gregory A Davson, for moderating the presentations and guiding students through thoughtful feedback and reflection.

Additional thanks to alumnus Jorden King for supporting evaluations with meaningful feedback, Justin Pack (Amazon) for coaching students on poise, confidence, and voice projection, and Founder Alexis McSween for leadership insight and guidance.

01/23/2026

This week, January 20, 2026, Youth Construct kicked off its third year with Turner Construction Company, marking our students’ first day on-site with one of the industry leaders, by way of Nelly Vasquez.

This session was led by Tyreef Bevel, Project Executive at Turner Construction Company, who welcomed students and introduced them to Turner’s mission, culture, and real-world impact. They were given an inside look at how large-scale projects are delivered and how teams collaborate across disciplines.

Students also explored the fundamentals of project management, learning how scope, time, cost, safety, and quality come together to successfully bring projects to life. Through interactive discussions and teamwork exercises, students experienced what it truly means to manage people and build with purpose.

Huge thank you to Tyreef and the Turner team for continuing to invest in youth and opening doors to real ACED exposure.

This is ACCESS in action.

01/19/2026

If Martin Luther King, Jr. were here today…

I would tell him that too often punishment still replaces opportunity for too many young people — and that democracy suffers when systems respond with control instead of pathways.

That’s why Youth Construct exists.

We replace pipelines to marginalization with credentials, paid opportunity, and real exposure to careers, ownership, and leadership. We teach accountability, dignity, and democracy at the job-site level — where public good becomes tangible.

Dr. King reminded us the arc bends toward justice only when we bend it.

Today, we bend it with blueprints, hard hats, and purpose.

01/16/2026

Double the Leadership. Double the Energy. Real Skills in Action at Youth Construct!

This week’s Tuesday, January 13th, our students learned from James Nolley, Founder & President of Qadiron Path, LLC and Danny Veasy from
Covenant Business Concepts during a hands-on session on problem-solving and solution-focused leadership.

Through interactive exercises and a rover car team challenge, students practiced teamwork, critical thinking, and decision-making: all skills they’ll use in engineering, construction, and beyond.

Huge thanks to James and Danny for bringing energy, mentorship, and real-world learning to our classroom. This is ACCESS and Exposure in action.

09/01/2025

09/01/2025

Labor Day is a time to honor the workers whose solidarity built our communities—and to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s fight for both labor rights and civil rights. He stood with New York’s unions like DC 37, 1199, TWU, UFT, and Local 420 because he knew the struggle for justice was one and the same.

This 1968 Local 420 button reminds us that the dream lives on, but also that more work is needed. Even today, barriers to entry keep too many from fully sharing in the protections and benefits of union membership.

At Youth Construct, we are working to break those barriers by training and empowering the next generation of builders and leaders. Workforce equity means opening doors wider for young people and women within our communities to thrive in this industry.

Happy Labor Day—let’s keep the dream alive.

08/29/2025

Congratulations, Alexis! Your journey as a contractor, developer, and founder of Youth Construct inspires us all. Thank you for continuing to uplift communities and future leaders.

08/27/2025

🎉 Congratulations on a successful panel discussion! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

08/27/2025

💥 Meet Ashley Pineda Uraga, a Harlem native, senior at Columbia Secondary School, and recipient of the Youth Construct ACED Award for Cohort ’25. This summer, she interned with Turner Construction Company, gaining hands-on experience that deepened her passion for design and architecture.

Outside of school, Ashley is inspired by photography, drawing, journaling, badminton, volunteering in nature, and time with friends—often with a camera in hand.
Her goals are ambitious: excelling in AP Chemistry, advocating for PSAL badminton at her school, and building a strong portfolio as she pursues Pratt Institute, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, Cornell University, and Rice University. Ultimately, Ashley dreams of becoming an architect focused on infrastructure.

Reflecting on her journey, she shared:
“Youth Construct made me more confident in my capability to pursue architecture. Life is a journey, and I will end up where I am meant to be – it’s about taking risks on my passions.”

Ashley advises future students to understand the commitment but highlights the program’s unique value:
“I would recommend this internship to anyone… For the experience and the knowledge, definitely.”

Her biggest takeaway?
“Whatever career option you choose, you have to love it. Even if you try something and don’t like it, it’s okay because there are other paths. You still have time to change—it’s never too late.”

We’re proud to celebrate Ashley’s journey and her recognition as an ACED Award recipient of Cohort ’25.

🎓 Open Enrollment is Live!
We’re accepting applications for the next Youth Construct cohort. If you know motivated high school juniors or seniors interested in Architecture, Construction, Engineering, or Development, encourage them to apply.

🗓️ Deadline: September 13, 2025
🔗 Apply: https://lnkd.in/es8RGET6

Giving Tuesday – December 6, 2025
Our goal: 100 monthly donors of $25+ (any amount—$5, $10, $15—helps!). Together, we can reach $50,000 to sustain and grow this impact.
Donate: https://lnkd.in/eTMyi5ya

With appreciation to our supporters: Kevin Chase, Jason Munkatchy, Nelly Vasquez, Fuquan Collins, Tyreef Bevel, Samira Fowler, Vogue Jackson, Danyelle Simmons, Melissa Kelly, AIA LEED AP, BD+C, Willie Mae Veasy, Danny Veasy, Wilhelmena Norman-Hernandez, MaeOla Bolton, Alan Senzer, Nancy Carin, Ehi Uwa, DeVon J. Prioleau, Jr. Board Member Abigail Haslam, and Admin Tyler Sharpe

08/25/2025

Carrie Torres & Robert Rodriguez, you are amazing! 🙌🏾

is thrilled to be at this year! Come check out our table at the Science and Industy building and find out how DASNY is financing and building the future of ! Truly fantastic!