Clark’s Partnership with Think Big for Kids Opens Doors to Construction Career Possibilities for Middle Schoolers in Fairfax County

Last fall, Clark joined forces with Think Big for Kids (TBFK) as part of an ongoing effort to increase awareness of the diverse career opportunities in construction and create pathways to a future in the construction industry. A national nonprofit dedicated to providing middle and high school students with awareness, mentorship, and support, TBFK expanded its operations to Fairfax County, Virginia, in 2023 through a partnership with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. Clark’s collaboration with the organization aimed to engage students in exploring the exciting prospects within the construction sector.

Throughout the school year, Clark team members connected with middle schoolers in six schools across Fairfax County through TBFK’s Career Showcase partnership. During interactive classroom visits, volunteers provided students with hands-on learning experiences in estimating and scheduling, and helped expand their horizons about the variety of career paths available in the industry. The visits also enabled meaningful connections with local educators. 

Clark Workforce Development Manager Sarah Sava led the company’s Career Showcase participation and is a member of TBFK’s local advisory board. Reflecting on the collaboration, she noted, “Clark’s partnership with Think Big for Kids has enabled us to fulfill two important goals: support and uplift the communities in which we live and work, and help young people see a future for themselves in our industry.” 

Sarah and dozens of other Clark professionals donated their time to lead classroom activities throughout the 2023/24 school year, ensuring an impactful experience for students. “The construction industry is a great place to work and build a career. We welcomed the opportunity to partner with Think Big for Kids to build bridges to the next generation and help them realize how rewarding the construction industry is. We aim to be a resource to our communities – and to our industry – sparking interest in what we do and helping to shape tomorrow’s workforce,” added Sava.  

 "Your team did an amazing job, and we just wanted to acknowledge them for the time, talent, and resources that they invested in the children of Fairfax. Your leadership and their effort will be an example for other companies to follow." 
– Victor Hoskins, President & CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority

Clark’s partnership with Think Big for Kids is just one facet of the company’s multi-faceted approach to cultivating the next generation of builders and ensuring that opportunities in our industry are accessible to everyone. 

Watch the full video to learn more about Clark’s Think Big for Kids Partnership.