Testimonials
Read highlights from the participants, partners, and volunteers who make our programs possible.
Camp NAWIC is an amazing opportunity for young women to see that they are capable of anything in the building trades.
Camp NAWIC is an amazing opportunity for young women to see that they are capable of anything in the building trades. With camp being free of cost to the attendees, there is zero risk other than your time. Going into the building trades can provide for an amazing career with outstanding benefits and pay with no debt from education.
For me, as the parents hearing the stories of the daily experiences my daughter had both interacting with people her age, as well as the instructors, was wonderful. Everything my daughter got out of attending this camp was 100% a positive experience and further reinforced her wishes also to become a union electrician.
— James O., parent of Camp NAWIC 2022 Apprentice (first-time camper)
My daughter was excited each night to come home and share what she learned, created, and built.
WOW! What a terrific program. My daughter was excited each night to come home and share what she learned, created, and built. I was amazed at the level of complexity and professionalism of the projects. Thanks again for an excellent experience.
— Andy R., parent of Camp NAWIC 2022 Apprentice (first-time camper)
OAC Services, Inc. is thrilled to have the opportunity to sponsor an individual either currently enrolled in or seeking future trade education in the construction industry.
Trade schools provide students the opportunity to quickly earn specialized degrees and get them into the working force more quickly than a traditional 2-4 year college degree. Trade schools are also typically more affordable, offer smaller class sizes, and provides hands-on experience. OAC understands the importance of on-the-job training, especially when it comes to specialty construction skills, as we work very closely with many vendors who rely solely on trade school graduates to staff their businesses and ensure their employees are knowledgeable and skilled in their crafts.
— Robbie Robinson, Assoc. DBIA, OAC Services, Scholarship Sponsor 2020
It is amazing what a child can create with some Legos, a piece of string, some aluminum foil, and a rock...
I love the interaction with the children as they describe what their design is. It is amazing what a child can create with some Legos, a piece of string, some aluminum foil, and a rock...I judged one with SGV#110 years ago. The child described a tower with the string going through the center where the rock was tied off...He said it was a hospital with an elevator for the handicapped...just terrific.
— Norma, Judge, Block Kids San Diego 2018
The NAWIC scholarship helped me attend a university that I love and led to many experiences that helped me decide the career path I want to follow, one where I get to be a woman in engineering.
— Nadia, scholarship recipient with a BS in Science in both Mechanical Engineering and Engineering & Public Policy
This year’s applicants gave me hope that the future of our industry and our world is bright.
We received scholarship applications from an ABUNDANCE of incredible applicants. Students who want to be architects, engineers, politicians, neurosurgeons, veterinarians, construction managers, sheet metal workers, electricians, etc. Young women who are ready and excited to join the construction industry, students who are so incredibly thankful for their parents’ hard work in the construction industry; it literally brought tears of joy to my eyes. This year’s applicants gave me hope that the future of our industry and our world is bright.
— Helen, 2020 Scholarship Committee Volunteer
Everyone that volunteered their time was great with the campers, and the fact that the sponsors make it possible to attend free of charge is amazing in these times.
My daughter has two parents that are electricians, so she has grown up around construction her entire life. She was considering a career following our footsteps in the trades ahead of camp and on graduation day, she said she will definitely be applying for the apprenticeship following high school.
Everyone that volunteered their time was great with the campers, and the fact that the sponsors make it possible to attend free of charge is amazing in these times. Well done to everyone that was a part of planning and working on this program. Well done!
— Camp NAWIC San Diego 2022 parent
It is so amazing to see first-time campers discover that they are capable of learning the technical skills of an electrician.
— Ashley Berg, NECA San Diego, Camp NAWIC mentor
We were really impressed with the instruction that she got and the quality of the items that your camp produced!
My daughter, Kaelyn, attended your camp this summer and loved it. Thank you so much for giving her, and the other girls, this great opportunity. We were really impressed with the instruction that she got and the quality of the items that your camp produced! Much appreciation!
— Kristen R., parent of Camp NAWIC 2022 camper
I was really blown away by the camp. The camp has really made me confront some of my own preconceptions about work in the construction field. I am definitely looking at the construction field as a viable option for my daughter now.
— Parent of Camp NAWIC Apprentice (first-time camper)
This was one of the best weeks ever! I met new friends, learned skills that will support me as I grow up, and had a great time! I can’t wait to see you all next summer.
— Ruby D., FCL Camp Teen Girls 2024 Apprentice (first-time camper)
Camp NAWIC sparked a greater interest in the trades and confidence in her ability to learn and execute tasks.
Camp NAWIC sparked a greater interest in the trades and confidence in her ability to learn and execute tasks. My daughter learned so much. She loves the items she made. She is looking for projects around our house. She is looking forward to Camp NAWIC in 2023 and the food was delicious.
— Kimberly T., parent of Camp NAWIC 2022 Apprentice (first-time camper)
We just can’t thank you enough for putting it together and giving them so many tools!
My daughter and her 4 friends had a fantastic learning experience at camp this year. We just can’t thank you enough for putting it together and giving them so many tools!
— Sara W., mom of a Camp NAWIC 2021 camper
With the help of the scholarship, I am now able to buy the tools needed to get the job done and feel confident that I can become a skilled electrician.
I am so thankful for the NAWIC scholarship funds because they have allowed me to feel like I belong in an industry that is predominately male. When I first started as a construction wireman, I scrambled to find tools because I personally didn’t own any. Before this job, I had never used an electric drill or any power tools for that matter. I personally felt like such an outsider since I knew nothing of construction and I was a woman, so that was a bit isolating. Would I really be able to make it in this industry in which it was “rare to see a female electrician” as one worker pointed out? It was all so new to me, but the one thing I knew was that I would give it my best effort and try to see if this trade was for me. As time went on, I could see myself being a great electrician one day with time and practice, but the one thing that held me back was my toolset. With the help of the scholarship, I am now able to buy the tools needed to get the job done and feel confident that I can become a skilled electrician. Instead of asking to borrow tools, I can be a more independent worker since I have a larger toolset to get me going on tasks. Overall, this scholarship has given me such a great push in the right direction by saying that I am good enough to be here and that I am supported in pursuit of my career.
— Justine G., 1st year inside wireman apprentice and 2021 Trade Scholarship Recipient
When he came home from the Expo, he was on cloud nine.
He was so excited to tell me everything. He tried describing what he had made with what he had. They (my husband and my son) both described the room, the setup and some of the other projects. Then they talked about all the booths. This was Charley’s first time doing anything like this, and the whole thing was a new experience. He was just so overjoyed, both boys were talking eagerly about going next year. Both my husband and my son were floored that he won. The timing was perfect to celebrate his 8th birthday at Legoland. They are still enjoying things from the bag of goodies, including the foam construction toy and the sunglasses, but the little solar-powered car took the cake!
— Jen, mom of the 2020 Block Kids Building Contest Winner & Kids Construction Expo attendee
Her eligibility was based on what her dad does for a living, how awesome is that.
I am a 20-year IBEW LU 569 member. This past year my middle daughter Shaylin was extremely honored to be awarded a NAWIC Scholarship. Her eligibility was based on what her dad does for a living, how awesome is that. Shaylin has been an animal lover since she was a small child and has always dreamed of becoming a large animal veterinarian. She is currently following that dream at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. As a freshman, she made the Deans List and we couldn’t be more proud of her and the hard work she puts in. And with the help of the NAWIC Scholarship, she is headed into her sophomore year with a financial head start!
— Dustin, Father of 2020 Collegiate Scholarship Recipient
Each year the apprentices receive a tool bag and the journeywomen receive a tool to add on to their collection.
This year was my last year, so I received a drill and a level. I am so thankful for all that the camp provides us with. My tools are not stored away, I use them all the time.
— Maria, Journeywoman, Camp NAWIC San Diego 2016
The activities are really fun, but being a journeyman is a lot more fun. You really feel like you’ve done something.
— Shanon, 17, Third Year Journeywoman, Camp NAWIC San Diego 2018
The most rewarding takeaway from this experience is gratitude for my mother’s connections through her architectural color and materials consulting business, and appreciation for organizations like this to promote more women in various industries.
— Colette, 26, scholarship recipient 2019, pursuing an MBA
She proudly says, “I know how to use that.”
My daughter really had a great time at Camp NAWIC and talks about it a lot. She is excited to come back next year and wants to build a she-shed (if that’s the project you decide to do). When we are driving around and she sees a construction site she points out the equipment and safety gear and knows a lot of the names. She proudly says, “I know how to use that”.
Thank you for your kindness and the time and effort that you put into the inspirational, instructive, and empowering Camp NAWIC!
— Alena H., parent of Camp NAWIC 2019 camper
At camp, I liked soldering, tiling, and carpentry.
I truly enjoyed this camp and learned a lot. I'm very interested in engineering. I've taken all the engineering classes at my high school, and I already have experience with electrical work. At camp, I liked soldering, tiling, and carpentry.
— Zoey L., 2024 FCL Camp Teen Girls Apprentice (first-time camper)
These opportunities are priceless, to allow us to expose our girls to areas that most of them never would have considered to try is a life changing experience for them.
Thank you so much for organizing this camp. We don’t have words to express our gratitude. Barbara had a fantastic time, every single day she left home with a smile and great expectations about what the day would bring, and she came back excited with stories to share at dinner.
These opportunities are priceless, to allow us to expose our girls to areas that most of them never would have considered to try is a life changing experience for them.
Barbara had asked me to register her for next year.
— Erika & Diego C., parents of Camp NAWIC 2019 camper
It is amazing how my daughter was surrounded by boss woman, showing her anything is possible.
This is an amazing, empowering camp for young ladies who want to build confidence.
— Nicole O., parent of Camp NAWIC 2022 camper
It allowed me to pay for a whole semester.
As a full-time dad, employee, and student, every bit of extra time is valuable, and taking the time to apply for this scholarship was well worth it. It allowed me to pay for a whole semester. I expect to finish my degree in Energy and Geo-Environmental Engineering by fall 2022. This was the very first scholarship I’ve received from many that I’ve applied for. I’m planning on applying for this scholarship again this year, and I encourage anyone that qualifies for any of the NAWIC Scholarships to apply too.
— Chris J., 2021 Trade Scholarship Recipient
The all-girl environment, the level of organization and making sure everyone has a job/ role, the mentorship...it’s even more clear what a high-quality program Camp NAWIC is.
After Camp NAWIC, we ended up finding out about a free camp at her high school to build a tiny home It’s a good experience and she’s enjoying it, but it’s not Camp NAWIC. The all-girl environment, the level of organization and making sure everyone has a job/ role, the mentorship.... now that she’s experienced this other camp, it’s even more clear what a high-quality program Camp NAWIC is.
— Kara M., mom of a Camp NAWIC 2021 camper
Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me...it is clearly an opportunity for me as an individual to be able to continue my education.
At the beginning, I was excited and still am because this was the very first scholarship I ever received from the many I have applied for! I think it is extremely helpful and I think that as a construction worker’s daughter, I am blessed to be supported with $1000 because it actually is a kick start to my college career as a student. Thank you!
— Sofia U., First-generation college student, and 2021 Collegiate Scholarship Recipient
My daughter was very apprehensive about the idea of a weeklong construction camp.
However, after day one, all of those doubts went out the window as she shared with me all the things she got to do and the new friends she had made! She was exposed to so many trades and I can tell she was challenged and intrigued at the same time. Thank you for offering such a wonderful program to these young ladies.
— Irma Moore, Parent of 2024 FCL Camp Teen Girls Apprentice (first-time camper)
I like LEGOs. the contest helped me be creative.
It was neat going somewhere new and having one on one time with Daddy. The solar car [from one of the booths] was really fun to play with. I’m glad I went to the Expo.
— Charley, age 7, Block Kids Building Contest Winner 2020/Kids Construction Expo participant
Words cannot begin to express my deepest gratitude! I would recommend this camp to all my friends and family!
This program/camp experience was amazing! We are eternally grateful for the opportunity. Since participating in this event, my daughter learned important life skills, she met new friends, her self-confidence improved, and she has started thinking about her plans post-graduation in 2025. She wants to join the amazing group of women who own their own construction companies. I know she will succeed. Again... Thanks to everyone for their mentorship with all the girls this week. You all have selflessly given your time to help shape their future. Thank you to the donors who made this possible at no cost to the parents...wow! I’m eternally grateful to each and every one.
Words cannot begin to express my deepest gratitude! I would recommend this camp to all my friends and family!
— Michele Powell, Parent of 2024 FCL Camp Teen Girls Apprentice (first-time camper)
This scholarship has allowed me to sit back and evaluate to understand all is worth every bit of it and hard work truly pays off.
The best part about this experience is my own personal reflection. I was able to sit back and reflect how far I have come personally and what it truly means to me. Sometimes we just are on the Go, auto-pilot. We have so much passion but at the same time can have a sense of burn the candle from both ends just to make a way. What I am saying is this scholarship has allowed me to sit back and evaluate to understand all is worth every bit of it and hard work truly pays off.
— Tatjana, 32, Trades Scholarship Recipient 2020
Receiving a scholarship from the industry that has provided my father with a job, that made sure me and my sisters were happy and food was on the table, is something I will be forever thankful for.
— Shaylin, 2020 Collegiate Scholarship Recipient
This will help me enormously at buying some tools that I need to get my job done properly.
I received a boost in my morale and self-esteem, at this time where the economy has been damaged due to the COVID 19 and money is not anymore for just having fun but to survive, I feel blessed to know that I will receive the scholarship! This will help me enormously at buying some tools that I need to get my job done properly. I was delaying the purchase of these items because it is hard to invest in these tools while you have to struggle with work reduce hours and living expenses. I’ll be always thankful to NAWIC San Diego for such a nice gesture of support.
— Alfonso, Trades Scholarship Recipient 2020
I was absolutely delighted that my granddaughters now know the basics of woodworking, electricity, plumbing, and other LIFE SKILLS that will help them throughout their life.
After I left home and married, each year my father, who built our family home when I was 3 years old, gifted me with a tool of some sort - an electric saw, a sander, a heavy duty staple gun.... When he died, Iinherited all of his tools. I am still able to do basic repairs and find particular delight in my electric screwdriver! Go figure.
Grandma from the mid-west.
— Roberta F., self-described “Grandma from the mid-west, granddaughters attended 2024 FCL Camp Teen Girls
This camp exposes you to what construction is really about…
Participating in NAWIC’s Magic Camp these last six years has truly opened my eyes to construction and they have been the most amazing experiences I have had. I am so fortunate to have experienced this great opportunity, because this camp exposes you to what construction is really about and you get to meet so many people who share their experiences regarding the industry.
— Ana, Camp NAWIC San Diego 2017
This camp really gave me the confidence I needed to pursue this type of work.
The opportunities this camp offers are incredible. This experience will teach you how to work in male-dominated work places with women who presently work in one. This camp really gave me the confidence I needed to pursue this type of work.
— Fineita, 14, Apprentice, Camp NAWIC San Diego 2018
Receiving a scholarship from the National Association of Women in Construction to attend one of my colleges will help me realize my dream to pursue a career in the construction industry and pave the way for more women leaders in this field.
My career objectives include working in the construction industry. I spent the last two years of high school researching construction management programs and college visits to the United Kingdom and across the United States discovering undergraduate programs that focus on the built environment and construction management. I was determined to find a program that intersects and refines those elements into a career pathway that will prepare me for the thriving construction industry.
— Catelyn, 17, scholarship recipient 2019
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