Construction Management Summer Academy for Young Women
June 3 – June 7, 2024
Rising 11th – 12th Grade

The Construction Management Summer Academy for Young Women hosted by the Auburn University McWhorter School of Building Science is a program geared toward rising 11th - 12th grade female students interested in learning about the exciting and diverse career opportunities available in construction management.

The Construction Management Summer Academy for Young Women (CMSAYW) is a scholarship camp. All students selected will have the $1000 camp fee waived. Applications must be complete and submitted by March 15 to be considered. Please note that an application submission does not guarantee selection. Visit the FAQs and Apply tabs for further information on this process.

This 5 day/4 night camp is designed to:

  • Provide hands-on and experiential learning activities incorporating construction drawings, materials/methods, and technologies
  • Educate the participants on safety management principles, field operations, project management, preconstruction services and other key topics in the industry
  • Encourage and educate the participants on professional career options available in construction
  • Offer the participants opportunity to interact with McWhorter School of Building Science faculty, industry professionals and current students
  • Provide positive experiences on a university campus

There will be opportunities for hands-on construction experiences, visiting an active construction site field trip, working in collaborative team exercises specific to the construction industry to evoke critical thinking and develop deeper problem solving skills, and more!

Camp participants will experience campus-life while residing in Auburn's resident dormitories, eating at campus dining facilities, and enjoying evening social and recreational activities. Campers will have 24/7 counselor supervision.


HOUSING:

Campers will reside in the The Quad. They are designed in suites consisting of two double-occupancy rooms connected by a bathroom.

MEALS:

Meals will be provided at The Edge at Central Dining. All dietary restrictions and allergies are taken into consideration for each meal.

FACILITIES:

The McWhorter School of Building Science is located in the M. Miller Gorrie Center, which opened in 2006. Gorrie Center earned the State of Alabama’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold certification. This state-of-the art "green" building is equipped with unmatched information technology. Students will also complete hands-on lab activities at the Building Science Field Lab.

Lauren Redden
Lauren Redden
Assistant Professor

Lauren Redden received her Bachelor of Science in Building Construction from Auburn University in 2008 and her Master of Building Construction from Auburn University in 2009.

Lauren spent 6 years in industry working in both commercial and multi-family residential markets before returning to Auburn University in 2015 as a tenure-track faculty member. She most recently has taught estimating, project management, disaster recovery, and construction documents courses.

With her experience in the construction industry, as well as the partnerships she has formed with industry experts, Lauren is excited to explore with students how construction managers contribute to the complex process of building and shaping the built environment.

How and when do I apply to the Construction Management Summer Academy for Young Women?

  • Applications open on December 1, 2023 and close on March 15, 2024 at 11:59 PM CST. To apply, you must fill out the application, upload a transcript (or most recent report card,) upload one letter of recommendation, and write a 500-700 word essay answering the questions, “Why are you interested in attending the Construction Management Summer Academy for Young Women? How will attending this program help you achieve your future academic and career goals?”

How many students are accepted?

  • No more than 20 applicants will be accepted for Summer 2024 Construction Management Summer Academy for Young Women.

What does the selection committee look for in a Construction Management Summer Academy for Young Women applicant?

  • The selection committee is looking for applicants who show evidence of accomplishment in math and science, clearly communicate their interest in learning about construction management, and have a strong letter of recommendation.

Who should I pick for my letter of recommendation?

  • We recommend that your letter is written by someone (other than a family member) who understands your career goals. This person could be a teacher, mentor, coach, volunteer coordinator/supervisor, scout leader, etc.

My recommender wants to send my letter directly to AYP. What should they do?

  • Please have them send your letter of recommendation to one of these addresses:
    • Email: auyouth@auburn.edu
    • Mail: Auburn Youth Programs
      301 OD Smith Hall
      135 S College St.
      Auburn, AL 36849

Where can my school send a transcript?

  • We do not require an official transcript! A copy of your most recent report card(s) is sufficient. Please obtain a copy from your school and upload it with your online application.

I am homeschooled. What should I submit for a transcript?

  • Please submit a document that includes “homeschool” or your homeschool co-op’s name (if applicable) at the top of the document. List coursework/course subjects that you have completed and letter grades or levels of mastery if possible.

Can I submit test scores with my application?

  • The selection committee does not review standardized state test scores or SAT/ACT scores. Please do not submit these scores with your application.

When and how will I find out if I am accepted?

  • We will notify selected students in early April and selected students will have until April 15 to accept their spot in the camp. You will receive an email from auyouth@auburn.edu.

Is there a waitlist for applicants who are not accepted?

  • Applicants who are not accepted are placed on a ranked waitlist. We do not release rankings. When an accepted camper drops their spot or does not respond to accepting their spot by May 1, 2024, we will contact the next person on the waitlist as soon as possible.

If I am accepted, how long do I have to accept my spot in the camp?

  • Students who are accepted must claim their spot in camp by April 15, 2024 or they will forfeit their spot in camp.

What will the short answer prompts be as part of this year’s application?

  • As part of your online application, you must write an essay (Between 500-700 words) answering the two questions:
    • Why are you interested in attending the Construction Management Summer Academy for Young Women?
    • How will attending this program help you achieve your future academic and career goals?

If I accept my spot in the camp but have to cancel is there a penalty?

  • If you accept your spot in camp and cancel less than 14 days before camp starts or are a no show for the camp, you will be responsible for paying for your spot in the camp at $1000.

What costs are associated with this summer camp for selected students?

  • Construction Management Summer Academy for Young Women (CMSAYW) is a scholarship camp. All students selected will have the $1000 camp fee waived. Students are required to pay a $50 key deposit upon arrival that will be returned to them when they return their room key upon check out. Students will also be expected to pay for their travel to and from campus for the camp.
Applications

Applications will open on December 1, 2023 at 9AM and close on March 15, 2024.

There is a $25 non-refundable application fee to be paid online before submitting your application.

To apply, you must:

  • Pay the application fee
  • Fill out the application
  • Upload a transcript (or most recent report card)
  • Upload a letter of recommendation
  • Write a 500 – 700 word essay answering the questions:
    • Why you are interested in attending the Construction Management Summer Academy for Young Women?
    • How will attending this program help you achieve your future academic and career goals?

We will notify selected students on April 1, 2024 and selected students will have until April 15, 2024 to accept their spot in the camp. All notifications will come via email from auyouth@auburn.edu.


Pay Application Fee

Create an account, pay the $25 application fee and submit your application.


Camp includes the following items:
  • On campus housing
  • All meals, snacks and drinks while at camp
  • Program instruction, materials and equipment
  • Transportation to and from off-campus field-trip sites
  • Recreational activities
Cancellation:

Cancellation procedure may be found on the FAQs page.

What to Bring to Camp:

Please pack lightly – but do not forget to bring bedding, a towel, and toiletries.

Campers should refrain from bringing no more than one (1) suitcase and one (1) personal sized bag to camp.

Dorm Room:
  • XL twin sheets/thick blanket or sleeping bag and pillow
  • Alarm Clock
  • Phone Charger
Toiletries:
  • Shampoo/Conditioner
  • Body Wash
  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste
  • Soap
  • Bath Towel
  • Hairbrush
Clothing & Shoes:
  • At least two (2) shirts with a sleeve- T-Shirts are recommended. This is required by OHSA on job sites
  • Loose fitting, tank tops are permitted when not on job sites. They must have straps three fingers wide and cover all undergarments.
  • Shorts: At least 3.5” inseam
  • Three (3) pairs of jeans/long pants (no leggings) for field trips. This is required by OHSA on job sites
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Pajamas
  • Tennis Shoes: We walk up to 6 miles daily!
  • Closed toed shoes
  • Swimsuit: For girls, a modest one piece swimsuit. For boys, no speedos or jammers.
  • Flip-flops or Water Shoes: For the pool
  • Sweatshirt or Jacket
  • Dress up Outfit: Dressy casual (modest) outfit (e.g.: modest sundress, polo & khakis, pants & blouse)
  • Rain Jacket or Poncho
Miscellaneous:
  • Laundry Bag
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Beach Towel: For the pool
  • Bug spray/Sunscreen
  • $50 key/meal card deposit: Make check payable to Auburn University
Optional:
  • Spending Money

Last Updated: January 16, 2024