Eastern Iowa · Construction Careers

Build a Future.
Shape the Community.

Future Builders gives Eastern Iowa students tools and hands-on experience to build high-impact, debt-free careers in the trades. We inspire the next generation of construction professionals that will contribute to a vibrant community.

Explore the Event Become a Partner
295K
National tradesperson shortage, and growing
3,245
Students served in 2025 through Build My Future and Building Futures Career Expo
$0
College debt for skilled trade career paths

See It In Action

Experience Is the Best Teacher.

We don’t talk about construction careers. We put tools directly in students’ hands. From operating mini-excavators to framing walls and running electrical, every activity at Build My Future is designed to turn curiosity into conviction.

With hands-on labs, real equipment, and direct access to industry professionals, students leave knowing what a career in the trades looks like and how to get there.

295K
The trades are short 295,000 workers and the gap is widening. The fastest path to a lucrative, debt-free career is right here in Eastern Iowa.

Built on a Clear Foundation.

Future Builders of Iowa coordinates with Eastern Iowa’s Home Builders Associations and other industry partners to connect students with real career opportunities.

01 · MISSION

Empower. Educate. Equip.

To empower and educate students in Eastern Iowa about the vast array of opportunities in construction and related industries – equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and resources to pursue successful, fulfilling careers.

02 · VISION

Change the Perception. Build the Future.

To transform how students see construction careers. A future where every person, regardless of background, recognizes the potential in the trades.

03 · IMPACT

Stronger Communities. Skilled Workforce.

Strong employers keep the economy stable. By actively building the workforce pipeline, we ensure Eastern Iowa remains prosperous, resilient, and built on local, highly-skilled talent for generations to come.

Who We Serve

Every Student. Every Background. Every Trade.

Future Builders of Iowa serves 7th–12th grade students across Eastern Iowa, including the ones who haven’t been shown what’s possible yet.

See the 2026 Event

Hands-On Career Exploration

Learning labs, equipment operation, and exhibitor booths that make career paths tangible and exciting.

Skill-Building Workshops

Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, project management. Practical skills tied to real career outcomes.

Industry Bridge

Direct connections to internships, job shadowing, apprenticeships, and real employment prospects.

Inclusive by Design

Programs built to welcome students from all backgrounds. The trades need every kind of talent.

3,245
Students Served in 2025
Reaching middle and high school students across Eastern Iowa through Build My Future and Building Futures Career Expo.
Hands-On
Experiential Learning
Every activity is designed around direct engagement with tools, equipment, and people.
Inclusive
Equity & Access
No prerequisites. No barriers. Equal access to fulfilling career paths in the trades.
295K
Worker Shortage
Combating the national deficit by building a strong local talent pipeline, one student at a time.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 · Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Eastern Iowa
Build My Future
2026.

A national workforce development initiative, right here in Eastern Iowa. One day. Thousands of students. Hundreds of industry partners. A generation that leaves knowing the trades are a real career.

Sponsor This Event
Date
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Time
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Lunch Provided
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Who’s Invited
All Eastern Iowa schools, grades 7–12

Hands-On Labs

Power tools, framing, assembly – real trade skills, real equipment, real learning.

Equipment Operation

Operate mini-excavators, heavy machinery, and specialized field equipment.

Industry Showcases

Local employers and trades associations set up booths to share real career paths.

Professional Networking

Direct mentorship from industry professionals and an inside look at career trajectories.

Schools: Get Involved

All Eastern Iowa schools welcome. Lunch is provided. Reach out to learn more.

Contact Us →

Leadership

Board of Directors

AP
Workforce Development Director

Amy Pearson

Future Builders of Iowa

Andy Becker

Stonegate Custom Homes, Cedar Rapids

Dave Becicka

Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids

GT Karr

Sueppel's Building & Remodeling, Iowa City

Aaron McGlynn

Kirkwood Community College, Washington

Melisa Olson

Greater Cedar Rapids Housing & Building Association

Tim Ruth

TMLD LLC, Riverside

Ali Salow

Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association

Shawn Wright

Ascentra Credit Union, Quad Cities

2026 Partnership Levels

Support the Trades. Grow Your Brand.

Partner with Future Builders of Iowa and put your company in front of the next generation of Eastern Iowa’s workforce. Every tier includes exhibitor access and direct engagement with 7th–12th grade students.

Top Tier
Master
$5,000
  • Large logo on event t-shirt
  • Professional recorded interview at event
  • Banner at Expo Hall (company provided)
  • Business listed as partner with link to website
  • Interview featured on website & social media
  • 10′×20′ Exhibitor Booth
Get Involved →
Project Manager
$2,500
  • Large logo on event t-shirt
  • Professional recorded interview at event
  • Business listed as partner with link to website
  • Interview featured on website & social media
  • 10′×20′ Exhibitor Booth
Get Involved →
Superintendent
$1,500
  • Large logo on event t-shirt
  • Business listed as partner with link to website
  • Social media thank you post
  • 10′×20′ Exhibitor Booth
Get Involved →
Foreman
$1,000
  • Medium logo on event t-shirt
  • Business listed as partner with link to website
  • Social media thank you post
  • 10′×20′ Exhibitor Booth
Get Involved →
Journeyman
$500
  • Small logo on event t-shirt
  • Business listed as partner with link to website
  • 10′×10′ Exhibitor Booth
Get Involved →
Apprentice
$250
  • Small logo on event t-shirt
  • 10′×10′ Exhibitor Booth
Get Involved →
Friend of Industry
Any amount. Every dollar helps keep these events free for schools and students across Eastern Iowa. Your name on the t-shirt, your investment in the next generation.
Contribute →

Exhibitor Only

10′×10′ booth ($50) or 10′×20′ booth ($100) – company name on t-shirt. Simple, affordable visibility.

Get Involved →

Our Partners

Investing in the Future of the Trades.

Partners

The Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association Greater Cedar Rapids Housing & Building Association Home Builders Association of Iowa National Housing Endowment Kirkwood Community College BuildtheQC

Master

Suburban Lumber Cedar Rapids Electrical Training Center IBEW 405

Project Manager

Boomerang Corp Hills Bank MacArthur Co. Pearson Building Pursuits

Superintendent

Associated General Contractors of Iowa Builders First Source Greg's Lawn and Landscape Iowa State University Master Builders of Iowa Built by Pros Team Kline Altorfer CAT

Foreman

Iowa Motor Truck Association Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Menefee Drywall Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Price Electric Streb Construction Co., Inc. Star Equipment Manatt's Hawkeye Ready Mix

Journeyman

Emergent Architecture Hodge Construction Jerry's Homes Martin Construction Kuenster Plumbing Heating & Air LLC McCreedy Ruth Construction Modern Roofers Local Union 182 Rinderknecht Beisser Lumber Ackerman Plumbing Stonegate Custom Homes Sueppel's Building & Remodeling

Apprentice

Geater Machining & Manufacturing Corda Credit Union Engineered Building Design (EBD) Maxwell Machinery & Supplies Co. (RMS) Van Meter BankIowa Gilcrest Jewett Miron Construction Laborers Local #43

Friend of Industry

3M Milwaukee Tools Culligan Water Ascentra Credit Union Campbell Construction Supply Optimist Club of Iowa City

Exhibitors

Build A Life Delaney Concrete Iowa Association of Building Officials / Eastern Iowa Construction Code Council Iowa Department of Transportation Iowa Workforce Development Yoder Masonry, Inc. Pittsburg Paints Baker Group Peterson Contractors, Inc Proteus Inc Woodruff Construction University of Northern Iowa Linn County Sheriff Morton Buildings Duwa's Quality Walls American Concrete Pumping Affordable Heating and Cooling, Inc.

Want to see your company here?

Reach out to learn about sponsorship opportunities.

Get in Touch →

Get Involved

Let’s Build Something Real.

Whether you’re a business, a school, or someone who believes in the trades, there’s a place in what we’re building. Reach out.

Get in Touch
01

Sponsor an Event

Put your brand in front of the next generation. $50 exhibitor to $5,000 Master sponsor.

02

Register Your School

Bring your 7th–12th grade students to Build My Future 2026 on April 28 in Cedar Rapids. Lunch is on us.

03

Exhibit at the Event

Show students what your trade looks like firsthand. Set up a hands-on booth and start the conversation.

04

Join the HBA Network

Local Home Builders Associations power this work. Get your association connected to the FBI mission.