To the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (KCHBA) and its members, building foundations for the future means two things: promoting rewarding careers in construction and assisting local non-profit organizations that build communities.
“Foundations for the Future” Week is an opportunity to support both missions. Between April 9-14, 2024, the greater Kansas City public will have the opportunity to learn about the skilled trades as a career path for their children through several events being held at Union Station in downtown Kansas City.
WHAT IS THE PARADE OF PLAYHOUSES?
This is an opportunity for the public to bid on a playhouse for their backyard in an online auction. The proceeds of the auction will benefit Science City.
- WHEN: Playhouses on display April 9-14, 2024
- WHERE: Union Station | 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108
View playhouses in Haverty Family Yards (grassy area outside Science City) - BID: Bidding opens April 9, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. and ends April 14, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
- DEADLINE to reserve space in the Parade of Playhouses was Dec. 31, 2023
View 10 playhouses and bid on one for your backyard! These playhouses will be auctioned off to the highest bidder and proceeds will be donated to Science City.
WHAT IS KC MADE?
The KC Manufacturing and Design Expo is a contest among high school students (grades 9-12) in construction and manufacturing programs. Projects are not limited in scope. Participants have the freedom to enter everything from a tiny house to a dining room table.
- WHEN: April 9- April 13 | 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- WHERE: Science City | 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108:
View KC MADE projects inside Science City (ticket required) - VOTE: Vote for your favorite project to win the People’s Choice award! Voting will open April 9 at 8:00 a.m. and end April 13 at 10:00 a.m.
A panel of industry professionals will judge the projects and determine the award winners based on project quality, skill knowledge and professionalism. Students can win prizes and program grants will be rewarded to the schools of the first, second and third place overall student winners in the amounts of $1,000, $750 and $500.
To win the Showmanship award, the individual must display professionalism with their attire, communication skills and leadership. This award is chosen by the panel of judges.
The Foundations for the Future Luncheon allows students and educational leaders to make connections and speak directly with professionals in the home-building industry. Winners of the KC MADE competition and the Parade of Playhouses are announced during this time.
The 2024 Students & Industry luncheon is scheduled for Sat., April 13.
“I just wanted to send a quick ‘Thank you’ again for hosting such an awesome event and the luncheon connecting our high school students with industry professionals. What an eye-opening experience for us as parents, to find an organization like yours that is available for our students to reach out to, talk to and help make connections within the home building and woodworking industry! We have encouraged Trevor to reach out to Courtney to get some contact info for several local industry professionals to talk more about opportunities for him as a graduating high school student with their company now and opportunities for growth within the company.”
–Parent of 2022 KC MADE winner
Through Foundations for the Future week, KCHBA hopes to promote careers in the skilled trades and increase the number of students choosing careers in the residential construction industry. This will put less pressure on home prices, ultimately assisting Kansas City families in achieving the American dream of owning a home.
