Free summer program in Louisville teaching architecture, engineering and construction

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Young people are building a foundation for their future with a new program that teaches architecture, construction and engineering.

The 38.85 Initiative was started in 2022 by Taisa Peree-Sehic and Torrence Williams. Last year, the AEC Summer Program was held for the first time in an effort to bridge the diversity gap in architectural, engineering and construction industries by giving young people an opportunity to learn from professionals.

"We wanted to bring mentors in from our community, local business owners, local minority business owners, local architects, engineers, construction workers, trade workers who could teach these kids and walk through the path with them, help them see what they do, and see all the different things they could do," Peree-Sehic said.

The weeklong program, which is free for participants, is run through Louisville's SummerWorks.

For Khevion Dyre, the program has opened a career path for him.

"This is really how I started getting into all this stuff because I wasn't interested in this before I did this," said Dyre, who is participating in the program for the second straight year.

Peree-Sehic wants the program to strengthen the future for participants, who are all between the ages of 16 to 21. It's an opportunity she didn't have when she was younger.

"I want to be that connection for them that I didn't have growing up," she said. "I want to give the support and care that I think is needed especially at these pivotal ages."

Students arrive at 9 a.m. and first learn from three speakers, who are professionals in the various industries.

"We had a lot of great speakers," said Marion Wardlaw, who will be a junior at Central High School. "It's important to see there are people who have done it and it's able to be achieved."

The group then shares a "family" lunch, sitting together at a table. In the afternoon, the participants work on their group projects with industry professionals. On Friday, the students learned from professionals at Messer Construction.

This year, the group project focuses on building a transportable or moveable shelter for either humans or animals. The 10 participants work together to create ideas and come up with solutions to problems that arise.

"My favorite part is us actually building, working together, it's fun," Dyre said.

Peree-Sehic credits community support for the free program. Along with YouthBuild and SummerWorks, other businesses contribute to the program like Tarkett, Epping District, Builders Exchange of Louisville, House of Marigold, Bamboo Coffee & Donuts and volunteers. Messer Construction, McCulloch Associates Architects, Ohio Valley Flooring, Studio Kremer and FreshFry also sponsored and provided mentors.

The 38.85 Initiative wants to become a nonprofit and offer programming throughout the year in the future.

The program sets an early foundation for future aspirations.

"If being an architect, engineer or construction is your dream, this will get you pretty close to your dream," said Micah Mattingly, a student at Phoenix School of Discovery.

On Monday, the groups will present their projects to professionals in the industries, elected officials and community leaders.

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