CCDI - Construction Career Development Initiative

We're proud to spotlight Daron Phillips, a rising senior at McCluer North High School and North Tech. This summer, Daron is interning with Villa Lighting Supply where he's gaining valuable hands-on experience in the electrical industry.

Throughout his internship, Daron has learned how to fill and prepare customer orders for shipment while also assembling electrical control panels that will be packaged and delivered to job sites. These experiences are giving him a firsthand look at the craftsmanship, precision, and teamwork that power the construction industry. As Daron enters his senior year at North Tech, he plans to continue building his skills in the Electrical Trades program and pursue a career in the electrical industry after graduation.

A special thank you to Matt Villa for continuing to invest in the next generation of industry professionals. Your commitment to providing meaningful summer internship opportunities year after year—and the positive culture you've built at Villa Lighting—makes a lasting impact on students like Daron.

We'd also like to thank Matt Shipp for mentoring our students this summer and sharing his knowledge and experience, as well as the entire Villa Lighting team for making Daron feel like part of the team. Together, we're helping students discover their potential and Building the Foundation for Change.

We're excited to kick off CCDI's St. Louis Summer Internship Spotlight Series! Over the next several weeks, we'll introduce you to our high school and college interns who are spending their summers gaining hands-on experience with construction and design industry partners. These internships provide more than just work experience... they offer mentorship, career exploration, and valuable opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings.

We're very thankful to the many companies that invest in quality internship programs and provide meaningful guidance to the next generation of our workforce. We're also grateful to Pat Hanneken and the American Family DREAMS Foundation for helping support summer internship opportunities for both employers and students through their generous partnership.

We're proud to begin our series by introducing Marvin Johnson! Marvin is a rising senior at Hazelwood Central High School and North Tech, where he is enrolled in the Electrical Trades program. This summer, Marvin is working at Paynecrest Electric's shop, where he's learning the day-to-day operations that keep projects moving. From managing inventory and filling orders to maintaining tools and equipment, Marvin is gaining valuable experience while seeing firsthand how the skills he's learning in the classroom translate into a career in the electrical industry.

A special thank you to PayneCrest Electric for being one of CCDI's longest-standing partners, supporting our mission as a sponsor and providing summer employment opportunities for students for more than a decade. Special kudos to Chris Rhyne, AJ Sharp, Sarah Bauer, Phyllis Adams: Your continued investment in workforce development is making a lasting impact on students like Marvin. Thank you for helping us build the next generation of skilled professionals.

As we conclude our 2026 Build Our Future Scholarship spotlight series, we are proud to recognize A'Mara Hollamon. A'Mara is a recent graduate of McCluer North High School and North Tech, where she was part of the Construction Trades program. Throughout her high school journey, she demonstrated creativity, determination, and a passion for building a future that creates opportunities not only for herself, but for others as well.

This fall, A'Mara will continue her education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she plans to pursue a degree in Architecture with a minor in Construction Management. Her goal is to combine design, innovation, and construction expertise to create spaces that positively impact the communities they serve.

What stands out most about A'Mara is her commitment to lifting others up along the way. She understands the importance of representation, mentorship, and creating pathways for future generations to succeed.

In her scholarship essay, A'Mara shared: "I want to help open doors for others who may not always feel seen or supported, just like I once did. I plan to give back by mentoring younger students, encouraging others to consider careers in construction, and helping bring opportunities to my community."

That mindset reflects exactly what the Build Our Future Scholarship program is all about. Investing in students who will not only pursue their own goals, but who will also return to strengthen and inspire the communities around them. Congratulations, A'Mara. We are proud to have you as part of our 2026 Build Our Future Scholarship class and cannot wait to see the impact you will make in the years ahead.

Our next 2026 Build Our Future Scholarship spotlight is Jala Griffin. Jala is a recent graduate of Riverview Gardens and North Tech, where she completed the Electrical program and developed a passion for the skilled trades. As one of our Trades Scholars, she will continue her technical education this fall at Ranken Technical College as she works toward her goal of becoming an electrician.

Jala's journey is a testament to the impact that great teachers and mentors can have on a student's future. Throughout her time at North Tech, she found both encouragement and inspiration in her electrical instructor, Mr. Merritt, who helped her build confidence in her abilities and challenge herself to reach higher. In her scholarship essay, Jala shared, "My teacher, Mr. Merritt, played a major role in fostering my passion for the electrical trades. He pushed me to think critically, take pride in my work, and believe in my abilities."

Education and service have always been important values in Jala's family. Her mother is an educator at Believe Academy in St. Louis, and that commitment to learning has helped shape Jala's outlook and work ethic. As the middle child in a family of six, she also embraces the responsibility of setting a positive example for her younger siblings and showing them what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and determination.

Jala has already demonstrated the drive, character, and commitment needed to succeed in the electrical industry. We are excited to support her as she takes this next step at Ranken and begins building a bright future in the skilled trades. Congratulations, Jala. We are proud to have you as part of our 2026 Build Our Future Scholarship class.