Appalachian State University students recently completed the construction of a brand-new home in only three days, addressing the plight of a family whose 1906 residence had fallen into disrepair, lacking insulation. This significant effort was part of the annual “Race to Build” event, hosted by the Appalachia Service Project.
For the second year in a row, App State was among the universities selected to compete in this impactful event, which took place in Bristol, Tennessee. The competition pitted App State against three other institutions: Auburn University, Iowa State University, and the University of Nebraska. Winners of the “Race to Build” are determined by a points-based system that evaluates both the speed of construction and the overall quality of each stage of the building process. The previous year's winner earned the distinction of building at Bristol Motor Speedway, an organization that has partnered with the Appalachian Service Project for a decade to facilitate the event.
Lucy Jacobowitz, a graduate technology major and a board member of Women in Construction (WIC), reflected on the experience, describing building a house from the ground up as "super impactful and honestly just amazing." Rob Howard, a lecturer in the Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment department, has served as the faculty advisor for the App State team for the past two years, bringing over 15 years of prior experience with Habitat for Humanity. Howard emphasized that the event's core purpose transcends competition, stating it is about "giving students this opportunity and this experience."
Wyatt Parker, a sophomore building sciences major and representative for the Student Builders Association (SBA), highlighted Howard's unwavering dedication, noting how he maintained enthusiasm and a positive attitude despite facing personal challenges in both years, including his car being totaled and his house flooding. Teams participating in the race can comprise up to 25 individuals, with 16 allowed on the building site at any given time.
The event fosters a strong sense of community, according to Erin Heney, a sophomore building sciences major and WIC member, who characterized it as "just a big family." Heney also observed a "bigger turnout of women this year."
WIC, founded with assistance from Rita Joyner, earned the title of best new club last year at the Black and Gold Leadership Awards. Joyner, an engineer since 1984, has focused her career on "uplifting young women," recognizing the ongoing challenges for women in the field despite increased opportunities. WIC collaborates closely with other construction-focused student organizations, including the SBA and App Builds a Home, and shares many members across these groups. WIC encourages its members, particularly those studying construction management, to join the SBA.
SBA provides its members with opportunities to connect with recruiters from prominent construction organizations through networking events. This helps students in Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment (STBE) majors secure vital internships needed for graduation. Parker affirmed that the organization, supported by Dr. Joyner, can virtually guarantee internships for interested students.
Members of both SBA and WIC can also be involved with App Builds a Home, an organization that partners with Watauga County’s Habitat for Humanity to facilitate the construction of an additional Habitat home each year. This year, App Builds a Home plans to undertake its seventh house build as a “blitz build” on Poplar Grove Connector. Jacobowitz, who serves as marketing director for App Builds a Home, confirmed that the project welcomes volunteers without prior construction experience. Two shifts, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., will be available every day for two weeks leading up to homecoming. A volunteer sign-up is accessible through the App Builds a Home Instagram page, offering various dates and times for participation.
