Balfour Beatty, in joint venture with Holt Brothers, is partnering with Healthcare Foundation of Wilson and the Wilson Family YMCA to create a Construction Academy afterschool program for middle school students, and to deliver a YMCA facility for the new Wilson Middle School After School (MSAS) programs. The new Construction Academy program and dynamic shared-space YMCA facility will provide unique opportunities for youth to build brighter futures in Wilson County. The Construction Academy and new YMCA building are part of a larger community initiative funded by Healthcare Foundation of Wilson to develop MSAS programs with engaging, hands-on afterschool activity choices for middle schoolers ages 11-14. In 2018, Healthcare Foundation of Wilson approved a $22 million grant for the Wilson Family YMCA to design, build, and sustain the MSAS program and new YMCA facility that will serve as a shared space for middle school youth to discover their strengths, explore their passions, and help their young minds grow with a focus on health and wellness. The MSAS Construction Academy program will consist of an 18-month curriculum for middle school students that will explore the construction industry alongside Balfour Beatty and Holt Brothers team members. Students will have the opportunity to learn about careers in construction and career readiness, resume writing and interview skills, and the importance of teamwork and community engagement. Additionally, youth will have the opportunity to dive into construction operations, innovation and technology through building their own mock construction projects, flying drones, playing engineering games, participating in virtual and in-person job walks and more. The new multi-level, 72,000-square-foot Wilson Family YMCA will serve as a safe place for middle school youth to learn, have fun, connect and grow into their full potential. The building will feature innovative learning spaces including a kitchen, science lab, makerspace and art room, fitness areas for youth and YMCA members, natatorium, and office space. The Wilson MSAS Program is scheduled to officially launch in Fall 2022 with a full menu of afterschool options at the new YMCA facility on the 100 block of Pine Street in Downtown Wilson.