Building Big Dreams at a Young Age: AGC of Missouri Library Program Returns

Introducing young students to the world of construction might not seem like an obvious starting point for career exploration but through the AGC of Missouri Library Program, it becomes an engaging, hands-on experience filled with stories, creativity, and inspiration.

This spring marked the third time our chapter has proudly participated in the program, bringing construction-themed learning to classrooms at Midway Elementary School. Designed for Kindergarten and 1st grade students, the initiative aims to spark curiosity about the construction industry in a fun, approachable way.

Each session was thoughtfully structured to keep young learners engaged while introducing them to the many career paths within construction.   Because sessions were scheduled back-to-back and slightly longer than in previous years, chapter members teamed up in pairs, allowing students to hear from multiple voices and perspectives

Storytime with a Purpose

Each classroom enjoyed readings from beloved construction-themed children’s books by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld.     Students listened to favorites like Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, Construction Site Mission: Demolition!, and Mighty, Mighty Construction Site—all of which were donated to the classrooms.

Hands-On Fun to Take Home

Students didn’t just leave with new knowledge, they also walked away with construction-themed goodie bags filled with a custom activity book, a set of crayons, a plastic hardhat, and a child-sized safety vest.   These take-home items helped reinforce the day’s lessons while giving students a chance to imagine themselves as future builders, engineers, or project managers.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Programs like this highlight the importance of early exposure to career possibilities. By combining storytelling with real-world insights, the AGC of Missouri Library Program continues to make a lasting impression, showing even the youngest students that construction is more than just building structures; it’s about building futures.

THANK YOU to our volunteer readers Allison Madrid, Connie Leipard, and Marina Conklin. Their enthusiasm and willingness to share their experiences helped bring the construction world to life for students.