CCDI - Construction Career Development Initiative

We're proud to spotlight Roger Rivera and DeAndre Wyatt, two outstanding CCDI interns spending their summer with Concrete Strategies LLC. Roger is an incoming senior dual enrolled at Pattonville High School and North Tech, where he is enrolled in the Construction Trades program. DeAndre is an incoming senior dual enrolled at Hazelwood Central High School and North Tech, where he is pursuing Carpentry.

Since the start of their internships, Roger and DeAndre have stayed busy contributing to a variety of projects throughout the Concrete Strategies facility in Hazelwood. From cleaning and organizing the shop and trailers to building shipping crates, painting, and completing improvement projects on the second floor of the building, they've gained firsthand experience while learning the importance of teamwork, craftsmanship, and taking pride in every task. These experiences are helping them build the foundation for successful careers in the skilled trades.

After graduation, Roger hopes to pursue a career as a cement mason, while DeAndre plans to enter the residential or commercial carpentry industry. A special thank you to Lonnie DeClue for mentoring Roger and DeAndre this summer. By exposing them to multiple trades and taking the time to teach, coach, and encourage them throughout their internship, you've helped provide an experience that extends far beyond the classroom. We also want to thank Garry Bals for his continued support of CCDI's internship program and workforce development efforts.

Finally, thank you to Patrick Moriarity and the entire Concrete Strategies team for your long-standing partnership with CCDI. As one of our top program sponsors, your investment is helping prepare the next generation of skilled construction professionals.

We're proud to spotlight Mason Montgomery, an incoming senior who is dual enrolled at Ritenour High School and North Tech. This summer, Mason is gaining valuable hands-on experience with Midwest Testing where he's learning the critical role quality control and materials testing play in the construction industry. His internship has given him the opportunity to collect soil samples, screen construction materials, collect concrete pour samples, and participate in asphalt compaction testing—providing firsthand exposure to the processes that help ensure safe, durable, and high-quality construction projects.

As Mason enters his senior year, he plans to focus on bricklaying and cement masonry with the goal of pursuing a career in the masonry trades. Experiences like this internship are helping him connect what he learns in the classroom to the rewarding career opportunities available throughout the construction industry.

A special thank you to the entire Midwest Testing team for once again opening your doors to a CCDI summer intern and investing in the next generation of skilled professionals. We also want to give a special shoutout to Phillip Leeker for mentoring Mason and helping make this experience both meaningful and impactful. Thank you for helping us continue Building the Foundation for Change.