Washington is witnessing a remarkable construction endeavor beneath the Lincoln Memorial. Since March 2023, hard hats and safety vests have been a must for those eager to catch a glimpse of this massive project. In approximately seven months, visitors will have the unique opportunity to descend below the surface for the very first time.

Unveiling the Iconic Story

Each step in this construction journey holds a story that leads to the 19-foot-tall statue honoring the 16th president. Mike Litterst, the spokesperson for the National Park Service, emphasizes that over the past 100 years, this place has taken on new significance as a crucial site for exercising the first amendment rights.The Lincoln Memorial serves as a backdrop of history, but to truly understand the full story, one must venture 40 feet below the 120-ton statue. Sam Meyerhoff, the senior project manager of the expanded exhibit space, uses a laser pointer to highlight the reinforced concrete beams where Abe is sitting.The dark and dusty subterranean room is in the midst of a transformation, with a theater, new exhibits, and a gift shop being added to the 15,000 square feet of cavernous space. It's a significant undertaking to complete the project in time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Lise Aangeenbrug, the chief program officer of the National Park Foundation, explains that $43 million of the $69 million total project cost came from private donations.To accommodate visitors, new access points were constructed using about 400 tons of galvanized rebar. Not everything is getting a new upgrade, though. Visitors will be able to see parts of the undercroft as it was left in 1922, essentially untouched.Many problem areas are being addressed before visitors arrive. Meyerhoff points out that water infiltration over the course of 110 years has caused issues that are now being fixed, with construction workers waterproofing the walls and sealing leaks.When asked if any Washington secrets were uncovered during the project, Meyerhoff humorously replies that they haven't found any fun artifacts yet.The project is on track to be ready by July 2026, promising an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Dozens of high school students from the South Bay dedicated their morning to exploring the field of construction in Lakeside. This experience opened up a world of future career opportunities for them.

"High School Students Discover the World of Construction and Its Career Potential"

Isabella Fimpel: A Junior's Journey in Construction

For Isabella Fimpel, being at a construction site is not a new thing. Her father is an electrician, and she has accompanied him on side jobs since she was young. She found it fascinating how electricity works in the house and how her father would fix the lights and switch the gas to electric. Today, however, something new awaited her - the opportunity to do the work herself, using her hands and performing actual tasks. As a junior at Chula Vista Learning Community Charter High, she is part of the Junior Achievement program that teamed up with Work Force Connect to provide students with hands-on experience in the construction field. This industry is in great need of younger interest as the median age of a construction worker is 50 years old. Debbie Barnum from Work Force Connect emphasizes the need for more kids to enter the construction trades and be aware of them. Students often only know what they are exposed to.Each group got to see a variety of aspects, rotating through different stations and trying out different jobs. Fimpel believes this gives students more options when it comes to future careers. It encourages girls to come and not be afraid to enter this industry. Moreover, it has given Fimpel a new level of appreciation for the work her father does. She now realizes how much effort he puts in every day and how tired he is because of his work. She values it more than ever before.

The Importance of Hands-on Experience in Construction

Hands-on experience is crucial in the construction field. It allows students to gain practical skills and a better understanding of the work. By rotating through different stations and trying out different jobs, students can explore their interests and determine if construction is a career path they want to pursue. This hands-on approach also helps to bridge the gap between theory and practice, making students more prepared for the real world. It shows them the different aspects of construction and the various skills required.For example, students may get to operate tools, learn about different building materials, and understand the construction process from start to finish. This not only gives them a sense of accomplishment but also helps them build confidence in their abilities. It shows them that they are capable of doing real work and that construction is not just a theoretical concept.

The Impact of Junior Achievement and Work Force Connect

The collaboration between Junior Achievement and Work Force Connect has had a significant impact on these high school students. It provides them with a unique opportunity to explore a field that they may not have been exposed to otherwise. Through this program, students gain valuable skills and knowledge that will benefit them in their future careers.It also helps to break down stereotypes and encourage more girls to enter the construction industry. By showing them that construction is a viable career option for them, it opens up new possibilities and empowers them to pursue their dreams. Additionally, it helps to address the aging workforce issue in the construction industry by bringing in younger talent.In conclusion, the morning spent exploring construction in Lakeside has been a transformative experience for these high school students. It has opened their eyes to new career opportunities and given them a taste of the construction world. With hands-on experience and the support of programs like Junior Achievement and Work Force Connect, these students are well on their way to building successful futures in construction.