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At Grant Career Center, learning goes beyond the classroomโ€”and The Big Build is proof of that in action.

This hands-on educational experience welcomes 4th grade students from across our partner districts to campus for a day they wonโ€™t forget. Led by Construction Technology Lab Instructor Kenny Carter and Math Instructor Brian Carter, this father-son duo has created a powerful bridge between classroom concepts and real-world application.

The day begins with students sharpening their math skills in a classroom setting. Concepts like area, perimeter, measurement, and fractions come to life as students prepare for whatโ€™s next. After lunch, they head into the construction labโ€”where the real magic happens.

Big Build 2026

Armed with measuring tools and guided by high school mentors, students roll up their sleeves and get to work building small-scale homes. These demo structures, reused year after year, give hundreds of students the opportunity to safely experience construction using real tools in a controlled environment.

But The Big Build is about more than just building structuresโ€”itโ€™s about building confidence. Students gain a deeper understanding of how math applies to everyday careers, while also exploring pathways they may not have considered before.

High school students in the Construction Technology program play a key role as mentors throughout the day, reinforcing their own skills while helping younger students succeed. Itโ€™s a win-win that showcases the leadership and professionalism of Grant Career Center students.

With schools like Ebon Hill Intermediate, Felicity Elementary, Locust Corner, and Williamsburg Elementary participating, the impact of The Big Build continues to grow each year.

At its core, The Big Build reflects what Grant Career Center is all aboutโ€”hands-on learning, real-world skills, and inspiring the next generation to Choose to be Great.