Building relationships is central to our mission. When we collaborate on a project, our commitment doesn't end when the job is done. We remain partners for life, offering ongoing support and troubleshooting.
As part of our dedication to building lasting partnerships, we invest in the future of the construction industry through our mentorship program, the CDS School Partnership Program. This initiative connects students with experienced professionals, providing hands-on, real-time learning. We don't just build facilities for education; we actively engage students, showing them what we do, how we do it and helping them discover their own capabilities in the trades.
What Is the CDS School Partnership Program?
The CDS School Partnership Program formally connects students with real-world construction exposure before major career decisions are made. Through mentorship, classroom engagement, jobsite tours, industry partnerships and workforce development support, the program helps students better understand the wide range of opportunities available throughout the construction industry.
Hands-on masonry experience at Franklin High School
What began through long-standing involvement with the Fond du Lac ACE Academy has continued expanding into broader partnerships across Wisconsin, including recent collaboration with Franklin High School in the Milwaukee area.
Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom
Mentoring at the FDL ACE Academy
Our support extends beyond mentorship. C.D. Smith backs Architecture, Construction, Engineering (ACE) Academies in Wisconsin with sponsorships, grants, supplies and manpower, ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed. We also offer an annual grant program for students pursuing careers in the trades, truly paying it forward for the next generation.
Franklin High School: The CDS School Partnership Program in Action
One recent example took place at Franklin High School, where Construction II students toured an active C.D. Smith project site as part of the district's ongoing partnership.
Project Superintendent Joel Tietz guided students through the jobsite, explaining active construction work, skilled trades coordination and the planning required to execute large-scale projects safely and efficiently. Students observed wall panel installation, saw how building systems are coordinated behind finished walls and learned about apprenticeship opportunities across multiple trades including Operating Engineers, Ironworkers, Bricklayers and Electricians.
Experiences like these help connect classroom learning with real-world application while giving students direct exposure to career opportunities before they reach a crossroads about their future.
Building Long-Term Workforce Development Through Education
The CDS School Partnership Program is more than a program. It's our commitment to building strong relationships and empowering future leaders in construction.
The future workforce is shaped long before students enter the industry. Early exposure, mentorship and hands-on learning help students understand what careers in construction actually look like and the role skilled trades professionals play in building stronger communities.
Key Takeaways
- The CDS School Partnership Program connects students with real-world construction mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities across Wisconsin.
- The initiative builds on years of involvement with ACE Academy partnerships, grants and workforce development support.
- Franklin High School Construction II students recently toured an active C.D. Smith construction project as part of the partnership program.
- Students gained exposure to skilled trades careers, apprenticeship pathways and active project coordination.
- Early exposure and mentorship help strengthen long-term workforce development across Wisconsin's construction and skilled trades industries.
Related School Partnership and Workforce Development Resources
K-12 School Partnerships Supporting Construction Career Education
ACE Academy: Building Wisconsin's Skilled Trades Construction Workforce
Building the Future with the Next Generation in Construction Trades
Building Careers: 2026 Skilled Trades and Construction Management Grants
Skilled Trades and Construction Career Pathways
Construction Management Career Development Planning
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Spring 2026 | Author: Molly Haack & Tracy Lisowe
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CDS School Partnership Program?
The CDS School Partnership Program connects students with real-world construction exposure through mentorship, classroom engagement, jobsite tours and workforce development partnerships tied directly to active projects and skilled trades careers.
How does the CDS School Partnership Program support students?
The program provides students with hands-on learning opportunities, mentorship from construction professionals, jobsite experiences, apprenticeship pathway exposure and support through ACE Academies, grants and industry partnerships.
Why are school partnerships important in the construction industry?
School partnerships help students better understand career opportunities in construction and the skilled trades before major career decisions are made. Early exposure helps strengthen long-term workforce development while connecting classroom learning to real-world applications.
What types of careers are highlighted through the program?
Students gain exposure to a wide range of careers including skilled trades, project management, engineering, construction coordination, field leadership and apprenticeship pathways throughout the construction industry.
How are students introduced to real construction projects?
Students participate in jobsite tours, classroom presentations and mentorship opportunities tied directly to active construction projects, helping them better understand how projects are planned, coordinated and built.
