On Saturday, February 4, the Wilmington, DE Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction hosted the 23rd annual Block Kids competition. Block Kids is a free program for school children in grades one through six that helps students learn about the construction industry. Using building blocks, string, cardboard, one rock, and foil, students are asked to build something related to the construction industry. When they’re finished, students discuss their project with judges, who are local construction business owners, managers, architects, and engineers. A few of Nickle Electrical’s employees volunteered as judges for the competition.
“This competition’s main goal is for the children to have fun, and in having fun, create an awareness of and promote an interest in future careers in the construction industry,” said Marla DiSalvo, NAWIC Chapter #96 Chair of the Block Kids Committee.
More than 100 students participated this year. The overall winner was Drew Smalling, a fifth-grader from Cedar Lane Elementary School. He built a road paver that would chew up asphalt, melt it, then repave and repair roads. Drew wants to be an engineer when he grows up.
“Our chapter members and volunteers work really hard year-round to ensure the event continues to be successful,” said NAWIC Chapter #96 President Leah Curran. “We are already thinking of ways to make Block Kids better next year.”
Next year’s event will take place on Saturday, February 3 at Hodgson Vo-Tech High School and is open to any local student in grades 1-6.
About National Association of Women in Construction
NAWIC is a professional association comprised of women working in construction and related industries. It was established in 1955 by 16 founding members. Today, about 5,500 women in approximately 170 chapters across the United States are NAWIC members, including business owners/managers, executives, subcontractors, accountants, and estimators. Members are employed in construction trades including welding, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more. NAWIC’s core purpose is to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.
