Top Ways HBAs Can Support Student Chapters
NAHB’s student chapter program aims to give high school students across the country early exposure to the home building industry by helping them make connections through their local home builders’ association.
Two HBA executive officers shared tips and strategies that their HBAs have used to uplift and educate their chapters looking for ways to help their local student chapters.
“The key is the communication between the faculty rep and the staff of the HBA,” said Corey Deal, executive officer for the Greater Atlanta HBA. “Once you have that link, it’s easier to connect the builders who want to participate.”
Sarah Foster, executive offer for the HBA of the Upper Peninsula, said whenever her association signs up a new student chapter she regularly asks instructors what supplies are needed.
Her members have sent safety glasses, carpenter pencils, tape measures and, in some cases, even machinery to local high schools.
“We do raise funds during the year for student chapters, but for bigger stuff, I’ll put the ask out to my members, and it's covered every time because they know it's for the students,” Foster said.
Aside from donations, Foster shared the importance of face-to-face visits with schools.
Every year, builders in her area will speak to students in class and teach them about the various tools they need to know how to use on the jobsite. They’ll also enlighten students on the many different specialties available for a career in construction.
HBAs shouldn’t let student projects go to waste, either. Foster says she’s asked her student chapters if she could buy or auction off some of their projects. She once raised more than $150 at a silent auction for a student-made table and then gave the money back to the school.
NAHB’s Student Chapter Toolkit has all the information necessary to start a new student chapter.
Latest from NAHBNow
Sponsored Content
Oct 29, 2026
Fewer Ladders, Faster Inspections: Why Builders Are Turning to Drones
With rising material costs and lingering labor shortages, builders need to keep projects on schedule and on budget now more than ever. Drone as a Service can help, delivering next-generation aerial data insights to builders, without needing to purchase drones, hire pilots, or navigate regulatory approvals.
Membership
Oct 29, 2026
NAHB Names Alison Benson as its New Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
NAHB has promoted Alison Benson, CPA, to chief financial officer and treasurer. Benson brings more than two decades of accounting, financial planning and nonprofit financial management experience to the role. She joined NAHB in February 2026 as vice president, controller, and also served as interim treasurer.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Oct 30, 2026
Housing’s Share of the Economy Falls Again as It Continues to Face Headwinds
Housing’s share of the economy was 15.7% in the third quarter of 2026, according to the latest estimates of GDP produced by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This share is down from 15.8% in the second quarter and down from 16.0% a year ago. Residential construction, measured by residential fixed investment, fell for the sixth time over the past eight quarters.
Economics
Oct 29, 2026
PCE Inflation Accelerated in September
The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge accelerated in September after holding at 3.0% for three consecutive months, complicating the Fed’s path to its 2% target. Consumer spending continued to be pushed up by elevated energy prices rather than income growth, driving the personal saving rate to the lowest level in nearly four years.
Economics
Oct 29, 2026
U.S. Economy Accelerated in the Third Quarter of 2026
The U.S. economy grew at a faster pace in the third quarter of 2026, supported by stronger consumer spending, robust business investment, and increased government spending. However, residential investment remained a weak spot, highlighting the continued challenges facing the housing sector amid elevated borrowing costs.