Looking Ahead 2004-2005

A growing program with more than 3,000 members, 1,500 of which attended the Builders’ Show last year, the NAHB Student Chapters program is expanding its roster of member benefits this fall.

Membership

Beginning with the fall membership renewal campaign, each Student Chapter member will receive a personalized NAHB member card, sponsored by Sears Contract Sales. Each card will contain a unique access number to the members-only section of www.nahb.org. This is one example of the many ways in which HBI and NAHB are working to expand programming for student members.

International Builders’ Show

The 2005 International Builders’ Show will be held in Orlando, FL, January 13-16, 2005. The NAHB Student Chapters program has a line up of exciting programs, some already listed on a tentative student schedule. Registration for the IBS will be available online in August for academic members. Notification will be sent to Faculty Advisors when the link is active. Fees for Full Registration will remain at $30 for members. Non-member students will see an increase to $50 for Full Registration.

Residential Construction Competitions

Several events at the 2005 International Builders’ Show will draw hundreds of participants and audience members. It's not too early to start preparing your team for the 2005 Residential Construction Competitions. Sponsored by Centex Homes, the competitions will be held January 12-13 at the Builders’ Show. NAHB Student Chapter Advisory Board Members revised the competition rules and regulations during their annual Spring meeting held May 1. The new Rules and Regulations will be sent to all NAHB Student Chapters in August.

Last year saw thirty-six teams compete. We expect that number to grow in 2005. In an effort to prepare your team for the competition, copies of last year's winning entries are available. There are three levels of competition: four-year schools, two-year schools, and secondary schools. All levels are judged separately and awarded cash prizes and plaques. The competitions present a real-life situation to a team of students, preparing them for work experiences outside the classroom. Deemed the “best kept secret of NAHB,” both participants and audience members agree it’s a must-see event.

Outstanding Student Chapters

The deadline for nominations for Outstanding Educators and NAHB Student Chapters  is Friday, December 3. The National Council of the Housing Industry, NCHI, the Supplier 100 of NAHB, celebrating its 40th anniversary, sponsors the NAHB Outstanding Student Chapters awards.

The awards honor exceptional chapters on all levels — including high school, vocational school and two- and four-year colleges. Schools may order a copy of last year’s winning packet to prepare for the Orlando announcement and competition for this award. Student Chapters receive prizes of $2,000 for first place, $1,250 for second place and $750 for third place.

Outstanding Educators

The awards for “Outstanding Educator” at a four-year and at a two-year college, as well as “Outstanding Junior Faculty” awards are sponsored by Thomson/Delmar Learning. These awards give national acknowledgment and thanks to exceptional individuals who have extended themselves and raised the bar in construction education.

Nominations may be made by faculty members, students, construction professionals and local home builders associations. Those educators who have been teaching for five years or more are eligible for the $1,200 Outstanding Educators Award, while those with less than five years of experience are eligible for the $800 Junior Faculty Outstanding Educators Award.

Winners will be honored during an Awards Ceremony at the Builders’ Show on January 13, with attendance expected by more than 1,000 students, faculty members, corporate partners and home builders association representatives.

Building Careers Job Fair

Another NAHB Student Chapter activity planned in Orlando is the Building Careers Job Fair, a growing employee recruitment event recently featured in Big Builder magazine. With expanded space to accommodate companies recruiting from the qualified pool of Student Chapters members, the Job Fair is one of the industry's largest events for students during the year. As registration begins in the fall, companies will be posted on the Building Careers Job Bank Web site. [ return to top ]