CINCINNATI, Ohio
Free week-long construction day camp empowers young women to explore careers in the skilled trades
Allied Construction Industries (ACI), in partnership with the Western & Southern Workforce Development Center at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, hosted the 2026 ACI She Builds Camp, a free construction day camp for girls ages 13-18, from June 22-26 at the Boys & Girls Clubs location at 1205 Dewey Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45205.
ACI She Builds Camp is more than just a summer camp — it is an opportunity for young women to discover their potential, build confidence, and explore exciting careers in construction and the skilled trades. Throughout the week, campers gain hands-on technical skills while also developing essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and self-awareness. From using tools and building projects to connecting with industry professionals and mentors, girls are leaving the program empowered with new knowledge, greater confidence, and a stronger sense of what they are capable of achieving.
As part of the camp’s legacy project, campers and ACI member companies worked together to build a workforce-ready closet at the Boys & Girls Clubs facility. The closet will assist all students on their career path by providing future members with access to tools, equipment, and clothing for years to come. “Through the support of our ACI member companies and community partners, we’ve been bringing meaningful career exploration and mentorship directly into the communities we serve for decades,” said Brittney Cousins, Director of Workforce Solutions at Allied Construction Industries. “Together, we’re helping young women see themselves in an industry that they can lead and thrive in.”
“We are very excited about this new partnership with the Boys & Girls Club. Providing young people line of sight and access to rewarding careers in the trades is a huge part of ACI’s overall workforce development strategy. We call it the triple-win: youth embark on an excellent career pathway, local employers get the talent they need to grow and thrive, and our overall Cincinnati region enjoys a sustained vitality and vibrancy as a result,” said Jordan Vogel, Executive Director of Allied Construction Industries.
“We are thrilled to welcome ACI She Builds Camp to our Western & Southern Workforce Development Center,” said Adelaide Forte, Director of the Western & Southern Workforce Development Center at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati. “This partnership gives our members hands-on exposure to careers they may never have considered, and the career closet will continue to benefit our community long after camp ends. We’re grateful to ACI and its member companies for investing in the next generation.”
Each day of camp featured rotation stations led by women professionals from ACI member companies, giving campers exposure to trades such as carpentry, plastering, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more.
About Allied Construction Industries
Founded in 1929, Allied Construction Industries (ACI) is a not-for-profit trade association that represents both union and open-shop employers, including general contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, developers, suppliers, and service providers in the Cincinnati Tri-State region. Together, we represent the full ecosystem that builds and sustains our region’s commercial landscape.
With a network of 500 member companies, ACI is where the industry connects, collaborates, and grows.
The ACI mission is built on three pillars: Workforce Solutions, Advocacy, and Meaningful Connections. ACI-web.com
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati provides young people with a safe place to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, life-enhancing programs, and hope and opportunity. Great futures start here.
Media Contacts
Monica Edwards Allied Construction Industries
213.222.7035
Ali Winters Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati
Last modified: June 29, 2026
