Construction. Engineering. Welding. They’re all critical industries. They’re also all historically male-dominated careers. But some young women in Canton are stepping up to reshape the future.
Early exposure to nontraditional career pathways at school can empower female students, like 16-year-old high school junior Danielle Bower. She told News 5, “I’m hoping to make a living out of what I learn here.”
It’s the same for 17-year-old senior Shawnnessy McClain, who said learning construction helps her be independent.
Both students are part of the Canton City Schools’ GirlUp! Program. It starts in middle school, introduces female students to jobs they might not have imagined for themselves, and offers mentorship and support on their journeys.
We got to see a massive deck some of these young women have been building as part of their construction curriculum.
“It was cold, it was hot. We work in all kinds of weather,” McClain said. “I mainly worked on the flooring and the railings.”
The deck is at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium. Bower worked on the project, too, spending her time on the flooring and putting coverings on poles.