Protect
Our
future
RE:Build is a student-led initiative that donates leftover construction materials from local companies to underfunded high school shop programs. Instead of letting usable materials go to waste, we collect and donate them to schools so students can gain hands-on experience in construction and skilled trades. As an all-female team, we also aim to raise awareness about the importance of trades education and encourage more young women to explore opportunities in the skilled trades.
145 MILLON
lb of C&D waste every year
1000+ lb
Donated
200+
Followers on Instagram
1
Earth for Us to Protect
Donate Materials
At RE:Build, we connect local construction companies with nearby schools that need materials for their shop and trades programs. Instead of usable materials being discarded, we redirect leftover items to classrooms where students can learn, build, and gain hands-on experience in the skilled trades while also helping reduce construction waste in our communities.
Materials we accept include:
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Scrap wood
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Plywood sheets
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Drywall off-cuts
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Metal scraps
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Bricks
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Tools (new or lightly used)
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Safety gear
WORKSHOPS WITH GRADE 10s
We organized a Scrap Workshop with Grade 10 construction classes to teach students about construction waste and how to reduce material use. Students created projects using recycled wood while aiming to use as little material as possible. The activity encouraged creativity, waste reduction, and hands-on learning in the trades.
Art Competition
We organized a student art competition called “Rebuild the World: Construction Waste Reimagined.” Students created artwork using recycled and waste materials to highlight creativity and environmental awareness. With over 30 submissions, participants transformed everyday items into innovative projects that encouraged people to rethink waste.
Fundraisers
We organized several fundraisers in our school and community to support future RE:Build projects and raise awareness about construction waste. Through food sales and community donations, we raised funds to support workshops, competitions, and materials while also educating people about reducing waste and supporting local students in trades programs.
Conference
In spring 2025, three RE:Build representatives attended a Women in Trades conference where we presented our project and its impact on reducing construction waste and supporting school trades programs. This helped us connect with construction companies interested in donating materials and build long-term partnerships to support schools in our community.