UNCOMMON CONSTRUCTION CELEBRATES 10th ANNIVERSARY BIRTHDAY BASH WITH HUNDREDS OF SUPPORTERS

Organization celebrates ten years of supporting hundreds of youth to pursue career or continuing education after high school

NEW ORLEANS, LA— unCommon Construction (uCC), a nonprofit that uses the build process to empower youth to join the trades or continue their education after graduating high school, celebrated their tenth Birthday Bash, September 21 at the Marigny Opera House, with over 250 attendees.

Over the course of a semester, uCC apprentices, aged 16-20, learn valuable trade skills and “soft skills” while building a house or another project. Currently, the organization serves 75 apprentices each year at their headquarters in New Orleans and in their new site in Minneapolis. Apprentices receive hourly pay, school credit and a matching  scholarship upon completion. 

uCC highlighted the success of its alumni, like Charlotte Lundy who used her scholarship to build her own business that helped support her as she pursues her Masters of Architecture degree.

Charlotte Lundy

“As a black woman, this journey has been one of resilience and determination, as black women represent only 2% of architects nationwide. Surprisingly, this 2% figure is higher than it was two decades ago when black women architects represented only 0.5% of the industry, “ Lundy said. “UnCommon played a pivotal role in shaping that path for me to become a part of the 2%.”

The event also highlighted uCC’s forthcoming campus expansion in New Orleans. The unCommon Campus will be a $3.5 million project that includes spaces for youth and adults to come together to learn more about the construction trades, continue their training, and earn certifications.

The event featured a silent auction, live band and a VIP patron party for special guests, sponsors, and Industry Circle partners. uCC’s Greater New Orleans Industry Circle includes locally based companies who provide philanthropic support as well as mentoring, engagement and employment opportunities for apprentices. 

Pictured from Left to Right: Arthur pulitzer, aaron frumin, sandra pulitzer, ben frumin and alexa pulitzer

“We are thrilled to have everyone in the room together,” said CEO Aaron Frumin. “To see all of unCommon Construction’s community who have come out to celebrate ten years of impact is so moving and truly monumental, especially as we enter a new phase of growth to deepen our impact in our New Orleans community.”

spencer grant, mpls site director and charie gill, mpls advisory team member p

Sponsors of the event included Pelican Playgrounds, First Horizon Bank, LP Building Solutions, Gibbs Construction, Ryan Gootee General Contractors, freeGulliver, Perrier Esquerre Contractors, DNAworkshop, 84 Lumber, SVN Urban Properties, Solomon Group, Riess LeMieux, Concordia, DM Steib LLC, Title Stream, Amanda Price Events, Sazerac/Goldring Family Foundation and Joe’s Septic Contractors. 

About unCommon Construction
unCommon Construction (uCC) is a nonprofit that uses the build process to empower youth to lead the workforce after high school or college. Through the apprenticeship program, students earn hourly pay and high school credits by working alongside a diverse team of students, educators, and industry professionals to build a house or other construction project. Along the way, apprentices gain valuable professional and leadership skills, and access to industry networks. Since its founding in 2015, uCC has partnered with more than 15 public schools in two cities (New Orleans and Minneapolis), and hired more than 450 of their students who have collectively earned over $475,000 in net pay and Equity Awards. To learn more, please visit www.uncommonconstruction.org, or visit our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook (@uncommonconstruction).