Tonn and Blank recently partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne for a Project Blueprint session focused on building trades education and introducing students to careers in construction. Each winter, we make it a priority to support the local Boys & Girls Club community through hands-on learning experiences.

Held in the Do it Best Partnership Room, students spent the afternoon building their own wooden toolboxes while learning basic carpentry skills using drills, hammers, and nails. The project was designed to be completed safely in a single session while giving participants real, practical experience with tools.

Throughout the build, volunteers guided students step-by-step and shared insights into what a typical day in construction looks like. Safety, teamwork, and attention to detail were emphasized, reinforcing the core principles of building trades education.

Programs like Project Blueprint play an important role in exposing students to the value of working with their hands. As the construction industry continues to rely on skilled tradespeople, early experiences like this help spark interest and open doors to future careers. It’s one way we invest in the communities where we live and work.

By the end of the session, every student walked away with a toolbox they built themselves. More importantly, the Boys & Girls Club Kids gained a stronger understanding of the trades, a sense of pride in their work, and a firsthand look at the impact of community giveback through hands-on learning and mentorship.