Matt Haas, Project Executive, is leading the Team, which is comprised of six C/H/S mentors. The Team meets with students at the project site for two hours every other week through the month of April and their objectives include informing, challenging, and actively engaging the students. Additional Team members include James Barvinchak - Project Manager; Jackie Keiser - Project Manager; Leon Williams - Senior Project Manager; Jessica Wolford - Office Engineer; and Nichol Bell - Office Engineer/Design Assist.

During each session, the Team incorporates a hands-on project, which encourages a friendly competition amongst the students. One such project tested the student’s creativity as they were tasked with constructing a “building” made of spaghetti and gumdrops and were then asked to explain their thought process on the design and structural soundness. Afterward, the Team takes the students on a tour of the site while explaining the specifics of the work in progress and engaging the students by encouraging them to ask questions and offering ideas about the construction techniques. One of the students participating in the Program, Marcus Thomas, stated, “I look forward to my trips to the Ballpark because I always learn something new, like how the floor is put in or how the ballpark seating is installed. Days spent on the project site are a lot of fun.”

In order to stress the importance of safety, students are required to wear appropriate attire, including a safety vest, and they are given their own hardhat and safety glasses, which sparks enthusiasm. The Team anticipates one of the students will be a successful candidate for the College Orientation Workshop, an opportunity for 11th and 12th grade minority males to experience pre-college activities for one month during the summer at Virginia Military Institute.

To learn more about the ACE Mentor Progream, go to www.acementor.org

Clifton was in the Service for three years before his father got him started in construction in 1971. Construction runs deep in Clifton’s family, as his younger brother is a sheet metal worker here at the Ballpark. Of all the years they have both been in the industry, this is their first job working together. One thing he loves about construction is the pride the workers can take in the finished product. Although he once helped scaffold the statue of liberty, he explains that this is the highest profile job he has worked on to date (but insists he does not brag to friends about it!). When asked if this is a tough job, he exclaimed, “It’s a walk in the park! And the people of D.C. are building it!”

Although he admits to being more of a football fan, he says that he will definitely take his grandkids to a Nationals game once the Ballpark is complete. Clifton plans to retire after this project, which is special for him because it is here in D.C. where he first got his start in the industry.

Clark/Hunt/Smoot appreciates his enthusiasm and hard work, and wishes him all the best in his retirement!

First, Anna Campos and Jessica Wolford, of Clark/Hunt/Smoot, gave the group a tour of the site. The women were very excited to see the Ballpark construction first hand, and also asked some very intuitive questions. Afterwards, everyone gathered in the field office for introductions, a question and answering session, and lunch. Alice Patterson and Chrystal Stowe, of Clark/Hunt/Smoot, led discussions about the women’s experiences with the program. The Ballpark staff were impressed with their knowledge, and excited about their goals and ambitions.

Clark/Hunt/Smoot wishes these women the best of luck while completing their course, and all the best in their future careers in the construction industry!

So just how did Alisha become an apprentice? She joined her local labor union last year, where talks of the ballpark were already underway. After joining, she received valuable training and schooling that prepared her to be on site. When it came time to hire apprentices on the Ballpark job, Alisha was chosen to work for Anderson-Urban. She’s been here ever since!

Alisha explains that she has learned a lot about the industry, especially the importance of communication and a good attitude. Having a great boss, she explains, has also made this a great experience. She likes the construction industry because it is hands-on, she can stay active, and there is always something new happening on site. She’s interested in persuing a career in construction because she can work her way up and be a leader.

Clark/Hunt/Smoot looks forward to the rest of Alisha’s time on the job, and wishes her great sucess in the future!

The draft Project Labor Agreement is in the PDF format and requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available for download on the Adobe website.