October 13, 2025

Building Futures Through DPR Construction’s Internship Program

News Summary

DPR Construction’s Build Up High School Internship program offers valuable hands-on experience to high school juniors and seniors, focusing on inclusivity and diversity in the construction industry. Launched to help students from low-income families, the program has seen a significant participation of young women and encourages many to pursue college education in construction-related fields. With advancements in technology and project management skills, the program shapes future talent and promotes a more equitable construction sector.

San Francisco, CA – The Build Up High School Internship program by DPR Construction is making waves in the construction industry by providing high school students with essential hands-on experience. Launched in 2017, this initiative aims to bridge gaps in inclusivity within construction by offering eight-week paid internships to high school juniors and seniors. The program has already welcomed over 160 students, emphasizing its commitment to building a diverse future workforce.

The Build Up program focuses on students from families that meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) low-income standards, with a striking 75% of participants planning to be first-generation college students. A significant aspect of the program is its effort to address gender disparities in the field, with nearly 50% of interns being young women. This is an important step in promoting diversity and inclusion within the traditionally male-dominated construction sector.

In 2025, the program expanded its reach, bringing in 31 interns from various backgrounds. Throughout the internship, participants engage in full-time work, earning competitive hourly wages while delving into various facets of construction. Interns receive training in project planning, technology integration, and various roles within construction management. This comprehensive exposure equips them with both essential business skills—such as communication and time management—and technical competencies, including the use of innovative construction software and industry-standard tools.

Interns are introduced to advanced technologies like BIM 360, CMIC, HammerTech, and Primavera, enabling them to manage multi-million-dollar projects effectively. Additionally, the program incorporates a final presentation component, allowing students to hone their public speaking and project management skills before a live audience. This blend of technical knowledge and soft skills positions participants favorably for future educational and career opportunities.

DPR Construction’s Community Initiatives Leader highlights the importance of the Build Up program in advancing workforce diversity and empowering young individuals to explore careers in construction. For many interns, like Selome Muruts, the experience does not stop after the initial eight-week internship. Muruts transitioned to a college internship with DPR and is currently pursuing a degree in civil engineering, illustrating the program’s potential as a launchpad for successful careers.

Since its inception, 22% of Build Up participants have continued their journey with DPR as college interns, further underscoring the program’s effectiveness in preparing young people for the rigors of the work environment. The positive impact of Build Up is already evident in local communities, fostering a network of mentorship and boosting student confidence during their career exploration.

DPR Construction remains dedicated to expanding the Build Up program, focusing on inclusion and education that reflect the diverse communities in which it operates. As the program continues to flourish, it plays a crucial role in shaping a more skilled, confident, and diverse workforce in the construction industry.

With an ongoing commitment to nurturing future talent, the Build Up program by DPR Construction is not only transforming lives but also making strides toward a more equitable construction sector for generations to come.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Construction Industry Faces Workforce Crisis

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER

LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!