May 2, 2025
The sound of drills, hammers, and excited young voices filled the air this week as Grant Career Center hosted The Big Build, a hands-on construction experience for fourth-grade students from local elementary schools. Held April 30 through May 2, the event gave local 4th grade students a chance to trade the classroom for a jobsite—and get their hands dirty while learning something new.
Originally founded in 2016 by the late Chad Graybill, The Big Build continues today as a tribute to his vision of connecting young learners with the skilled trades. Carrying on that legacy is Mr. Kenny Carter, Grant’s Carpentry Instructor, who leads the program with passion and purpose. Working alongside him is his son, Mr. Brian Carter, a math instructor at Grant Career Center, who ties the building experience directly to classroom concepts like measurement, geometry, and real-world problem solving.
Together, this father-son duo makes the program truly engaging. While Brian Carter ensures students understand the “why” behind each cut and calculation, Kenny Carter—along with his high school CTE students—guides the young builders through the “how,” from framing to finishing.
The students worked together to build 6x6 shed structures, gaining exposure to concepts such as carpentry, welding, fabrication, engineering, material handling, and job site safety. More importantly, they walked away with confidence, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of how learning in the classroom connects to opportunities in the workforce.
Programs like The Big Build help students dream bigger and discover new paths—whether in construction or beyond. At Grant Career Center, this kind of hands-on experience isn’t just about building structures. It’s about building futures.
