CIEF North Texas

Providing Opportunities for All - Not Just the College-Bound

The Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF) empowers students to pursue rewarding careers in architecture, engineering, construction, and the skilled trades. Our efforts to support students enable them to achieve financial stability, bolster the health of the construction industry, and make a positive impact on North Texas' economic development.

Combatting Stereotypes

The misinformed push to move young people towards college in the '80s has come to roost in Texas. The shift has resulted in a critical labor shortage in the construction industry and skilled trades in the region. Professional associations estimate that for every three skilled workers who leave the industry, only one replaces them. In addition, our region's young people face growing income inequality, wage stagnation, and rapidly accelerating inflation.

College isn't for everyone, and careers in the built environment, particularly those in construction management and skilled trades, are often overlooked as viable career choices. However, those that pursue careers in the construction industry can achieve financial stability at a much younger age without incurring any student loan debt. Our workforce development programs create a level playing field for students in underserved communities, where pathways into the industry might otherwise not be available.

Our Impact

CIEF's support of the construction and design industry's health with its workforce development programs is more critical now than ever! By introducing more students and young professionals to these career pathways, we are helping thousands of young people pave their own roads toward financial security while easing the industry labor shortage in Texas. Together, these two outcomes contribute to a stronger and more resilient North Texas region.

The Design Build Competition

CIEF's flagship program, the Design Build Competition, is taking place in April 2024. Having taken place for the first time in Texas this past school year, 20+ schools are looking forward to participating this year. During the four months of the Design Build program, teams of high school students design, plan, and construct a 96 sq. ft. structure at no cost to the students. The Competition offers youth the first-hand experience of building a structure from planning to completion - an accomplishment they can take pride in. In connecting student teams with professionals from the field as they plan and design, the program connects what students learn in the classroom with future jobs that can support and grow their communities.

Equitable Opportunity

To ensure equity and give students and schools from all areas the opportunity to compete regardless of available funds and resources, CIEF offers the Design Build Competition at no cost to any student or school; all teams receive the necessary materials to compete. In the event of additional need, CIEF makes every effort to subsidize travel or provide tools to teams for the final competition.

Help Us Support Students and the Industry!

CIEF is a valuable resource for students and the construction industry. Our workforce development programs create opportunities for students to achieve financial stability and pursue rewarding careers. Our programs also help to address the labor shortage in the construction industry. CIEF is a proud partner of the construction and design industry, and we are committed to helping our students succeed.