Bring Future Builders to Your Classrooms
Future Builders is the NCSEA Foundation's national K–12 outreach program designed specifically for our forty-four state Structural Engineers Associations (SEAs). The program provides a turnkey solution for introducing students to structural engineering through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
Beginning in January 2027, Future Builders toolkits will be available for SEAs to request based on program availability.
Join the Future Builders mailing list to receive updates, toolkit availability announcements, training opportunities, and program resources.
How SEAs Can Help
Future Builders was created for our SEAs, but we need your help to bring the program into classrooms across the country.
Each SEA can make a meaningful local impact by:
- Building relationships with local schools and educators
- Recruiting volunteers to facilitate classroom activities
- Engaging local firms to help fund toolkit costs
- Managing any local classroom access requirements
If every SEA engaged just 12 local firms, it would generate enough support to cover that SEA's annual participation in the Future Builders program.
Together, we can create a sustainable model that brings structural engineering education to students nationwide.
What the NCSEA Foundation Provides
NCSEA Foundation provides the resources needed to deliver the program successfully, including:
- Grade-specific Future Builders toolkits
- Hands-on classroom activity materials
- Educational content aligned to the lesson
- Training videos for each grade level
- Learner Guide
- Presentation slides and facilitator resources
- Program guidance and support
Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for volunteers and SEAs to deliver a meaningful classroom experience.
SEA Responsibilities
Each SEA is responsible for completing any local due diligence required by schools or districts before entering the classroom. Requirements may include:
- Background checks
- Tuberculosis testing
- Volunteer registration forms
- Required trainings or certifications
- Any additional school or district requirements
Any costs associated with these requirements are the responsibility of the SEA.
Engage Local Firms
Future Builders offers local firms a meaningful opportunity to invest in the future of the structural engineering profession.
By supporting toolkit costs, firms help:
- Introduce students to structural engineering careers
- Expand STEM and engineering awareness
- Inspire the next generation of engineers and builders
- Strengthen connections between the profession and local communities
We encourage each SEA to identify and engage firms that are passionate about workforce development, community engagement, and STEM education.
Share this PDF with your local firm leaders.
| Tier | Investment | Benefits |
| Master Builder | $50,000 | Branded building block, top-tier logo placement, and recognition in national videos, plus all benefits listed below. |
| Frame Constructor | $20,000 | Prominent visibility across all curriculum materials. Logo on toolkits and Foundation site, press and newsletter recognition, plus all benefits listed below. |
| Beam Connector | $10,000 | Logo placement on course materials and annual impact report, plus all benefits listed below. |
| Structure Supporter | $5,000 | Recognition on the Future Builders website and in newsletters. |
How to Secure Local Firm Support
Future Builders is designed to be a sustainable, locally supported program. The most successful SEAs will build a coalition of firms that share a commitment to workforce development, STEM education, and the future of the structural engineering profession.
Start with Your Existing Network
Begin by identifying firms that already support your SEA through:
- Sponsorships
- Memberships
- Event participation
- Committee involvement
- Leadership positions
These firms are often the easiest partners to engage because they already understand the value of the profession and your association.
Position Future Builders as a Workforce Development Initiative
When approaching firms, focus on the long-term impact:
- Inspiring the next generation of structural engineers
- Increasing awareness of engineering careers
- Supporting STEM education in local communities
- Strengthening the future talent pipeline
- Creating volunteer opportunities for employees
Future Builders is not simply a classroom activity—it is an investment in the future of our profession.
Invite Firms to Volunteer
Many firms are looking for meaningful community engagement opportunities for their employees.
Encourage firms to:
- Send volunteers into classrooms
- Participate in Future Builders events
- Help assemble toolkits
- Share real-world engineering experiences with students
Volunteer involvement often leads to long-term financial support.
Share Success Stories
Use photos, student feedback, teacher testimonials, and program outcomes to demonstrate impact.
Examples include:
- Number of students reached
- Number of classrooms served
- Volunteer participation
- Student survey results
- Community partnerships
Showing measurable impact makes it easier for firms to justify continued support.
Help Us Build the Future
Future Builders combines national resources with local leadership to create lasting impact in classrooms across the country.
Together, we can inspire students, support educators, and introduce the next generation to the possibilities of structural engineering.
Contact the NCSEA Foundation at jkilker@ncseafoundation.org to learn more about toolkit availability, local implementation, sponsorship opportunities, and volunteer engagement.