ABC Delaware is the first chapter in the country to develop student chapters in the local high schools. The student chapters were formed in January 2002 in three (3) New Castle County Vo-Tech School district schools: Delcastle Technical High School, Hodgson Vocational High School, Howard School of Technology.
The student chapters are open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students in the following career areas: Technical Drafting, Sheet Metal, Electrical, Welding, Plumbing, Electronics, Masonry, General Construction, Small Engine, Carpentry, HVAC, and Technology. Student requirements are the following:
- Minimum of 2.0 GPA
- Recommended by vocational instructor
- Recommended by counselor/co-op coordinator
The Student chapters meet once a month during the student activities period in the school day. This provides the opportunity for all members to attend the meetings without concern for transportation issues. The chapters elect their own officers and have both a school and ABC member sponsor.
The purpose of the program is to help students in their career exploration along with developing leaders and leadership skills for the students.
ABC Delaware student chapters are the first of its kind in the country. Normally chapters are formed at the university/college level. Our intent was to develop leadership skills with high school students and encourage their continued participation in the construction trades. Our current chapters have over 100 members
- Delcastle High School – 35 students
- Hodgson Vo – Tech – 32 students
- Howard School of Technology – 21 students
We believe the formation of student chapters at the high school level will encourage students to pursue a career in construction. We believe that our model will be the start for forming these student chapters in ABC chapters around the country.
Delcastle Technical High School - Number of Students – 35
- President – Chris Rawlins, Sheet Metal trade
- Vice President – Danny Palmer, Welding trade
- Treasurer – Mike Taylor, Sheet Metal trade
- Secretary – Angela Schorah, Electronics
- Historian – Mike Buck, Carpentry
Student Advisor – Patrick Lloyd, Co-Op Coordinator
ABC Member Sponsor – Robert Suppe, RC Fabricators
Monthly activities include: Visiting the National Building Trade Museum in Washington, community service work at the LPGA McDonald’s Championship Golf Tournament, helping with ABC Delaware Hands-on Trade show for 8th grade students, visiting ABC Delaware member job fair, attending the ABC Delaware Trade Show and our Excellence in Construction Awards dinner, job site visits to local ABC contractor members, guest speakers at their monthly meetings.
Hodgson Vocational School - Number of Students – 32
- President – Michael Garber, HVAC trade
- Vice President – Lauren Wallace, HVAC trade
- Treasurer – Thomas Guzzi, Millwright trade
- Secretary – William Harper, Electrical trade
- Historian – Matt Simone, Electrical trade
Student Advisor – Bryan Moxley, Co-Op Coordinator
ABC Member Sponsor – Steve Dignan, Paul A. Nickle
Monthly activities include: Visiting the National Building Trade Museum in Washington, community service work at the LPGA McDonald’s Championship Golf Tournament, helping with ABC Delaware Hands-on Trade show for 8th grade students, visiting ABC Delaware member job fair, attending the ABC Delaware Trade Show and our Excellence in Construction Awards dinner, job site visits to local ABC contractor members, guest speakers at their monthly meetings.
Howard School of Technology - Number of Students – 21
- President – Anthony Donato, Electrical trade
- Secretary – Mike Saulsberry, Electrical trade
- Treasurer – Brian Wilkerson, Carpentry trade
- Historian – Courtney Ford, General Construction trade
Student Advisor – Domenick Pedante, Co-Op Coordinator
ABC Member Sponsor – Dennis Gregg, Pace Electric
Monthly activities include: Visiting the National Building Trade Museum in Washington, volunteer service with Cornerstone West (low income housing project) rehabbing of existing houses, helping with ABC Delaware Hands-on Trade show for 8th grade students, visiting ABC Delaware member job fair, attending the ABC Delaware Trades Show and our Excellence in Construction Awards dinner, job site visits to local ABC contractor members, guest speakers at their monthly meetings