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Lansing Construction Science Expo Returned for its Third Year

LANSING, Mich. - Nearly 400 students from Lansing Public Schools received a first-hand experience with the opportunities available in engineering and skilled trades at the Third Annual Lansing Construction Science Expo at Impression 5 Science Center today. The event returned to Lansing for the third straight year after being created and hosted by the Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan in Detroit. The Detroit event has been held for the past 14 years.

Several prominent lawmakers visited with students during the Expo, including Representative Angela Witwer, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, and staff for Senator Gary Peters. They used the trip as a chance to speak with students and tour the event, witnessing first-hand how the students embraced opportunities in the skilled trades.

More than 60 leaders in the construction and engineering industries partnered with Lansing Public Schools to host students who have shown interest in the skilled trades. They rotated through a variety of activity stations highlighting skilled trades and engineering challenges, including:

Skilled trades workers are more important than ever as the industry works to keep up with construction and infrastructure demands across the state and build on an already healthy workforce.

"The need continues to grow, we need individuals not only doing the work, but also doing the design. That’s why having this group together today is so important; it shows the strength of the construction industry,” said Doug Needham, President of the Construction Science Expo. “With the additional road funding promised by the state legislature and Governor Whitmer, we know there will be even more opportunities ahead. That means more jobs for students like the ones here today, who represent the future of Michigan’s construction workforce."

The Construction Science Expo has educated more than 10,000 students through the years and provided job opportunities to those who are highly motivated and want to get their careers started right away. The program is managed by a diverse coalition of businesses, associations, and unions and receives annual support from generous sponsors, including the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), IBEW, NECA 665, Lansing Board of Water & Light, Michigan LiUNA, Operating Engineers 324, Sheet Metal Workers Local 7 - Zone 1, Wade Trim, and many more!

The Construction Science Expo will return to Lansing and Detroit in 2026.