San Francisco, October 13, 2025
News Summary
DPR Construction’s Build Up Internship program provides hands-on experience for high school students in the construction industry. Launched in 2017, the program has become a model for diversity and inclusion, offering eight-week paid internships and teaching valuable skills in project planning, technology, and communication. With over 160 participants to date, the program focuses on first-generation college students and aims to reduce the gender gap in the construction workforce.
San Francisco: DPR Construction’s Build Up Internship Program Empowers High School Students
DPR Construction’s Build Up High School Internship program is providing valuable hands-on exposure to the construction industry for high school students. Launched in 2017, this initiative has become a model for promoting inclusivity within the sector.
Each year, the Build Up program offers an eight-week paid internship targeted at high school juniors and seniors. Interns gain substantial experience in areas such as project planning, technology, and various roles within construction management. As of now, over 160 students have participated in the program, with a significant portion returning as college interns or transitioning to full-time positions within DPR.
In 2025 alone, 31 interns participated in the program. These interns work full-time and receive competitive hourly wages, which serve as an incentive for students from families that meet HUD low-income standards. Notably, 75% of the current Build Up interns will be first-generation college students, and the program has successfully addressed the gender gap in the industry, with nearly 50% of participants being young women.
Skills Development Through Practical Experience
Participants in the Build Up program develop essential business skills alongside technical training. These skills include communication and time management, which are vital in any professional setting. To further enhance their learning experience, interns complete a final presentation that promotes public speaking and project management skills, crucial aspects of the profession.
Interns also receive instruction on jobsite safety procedures and engage with innovative construction software and technology. They gain hands-on experience managing multi-million-dollar projects while becoming familiar with industry-standard tools such as BIM 360, CMIC, HammerTech, and Primavera.
Community Impact and Future Goals
According to DPR’s Community Initiatives Leader, the program aims to improve diversity in the construction workforce significantly. Students like Selome Muruts illustrate the program’s local impact; she transitioned from intern to college intern and is pursuing a degree in civil engineering. The Build Up program serves as a launchpad for students’ careers, fostering mentorship, confidence building, and exploration in the construction field.
DPR Construction remains committed to expanding the Build Up program, with a focus on inclusion and education. Each iteration of the program is designed to reflect the communities where DPR operates, ultimately striving to foster a skilled and confident future workforce in the construction industry.
Key Features of the Build Up Program
- Duration: 8-week paid internship
- Target Audience: High school juniors and seniors
- Skills Taught: Project planning, technology, communication, time management
- Industry Tools Used: BIM 360, CMIC, HammerTech, Primavera
- Diversity Focus: 75% first-generation college students; nearly 50% female interns
- Total Interns: Over 160 since inception
- 2025 Interns: 31
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Build Up program?
The Build Up program is an eight-week paid internship offered by DPR Construction for high school students, providing hands-on experience in the construction industry.
Who can participate in the program?
The program is aimed at high school juniors and seniors, particularly those from low-income families and first-generation college students.
What skills do interns learn?
Interns learn various skills, including project planning, communication, time management, jobsite safety, and technical skills using industry-standard tools.
Is the internship paid?
Yes, Build Up interns receive competitive hourly wages during their internship.
How many interns have participated in the program?
Since its launch in 2017, over 160 students have participated, with ongoing recruitment each subsequent year.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- DJC: City News on DPR Construction
- DJC: Another News on Construction
- Arup: Early Careers Internships
- Turner Construction: Careers
- Wikipedia: Construction Industry
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