J.H. Hassinger Named Corporate Citizen of the Year Finalist by Milwaukee BizTimes Media

J.H. Hassinger Construction, Inc. was named a 2026 Corporate Citizen of the Year/Nonprofit Excellence Finalist for Milwaukee BizTimes Media after donating substantial time, talent, and financial resources to help strengthen Wisconsin communities.

The announcement comes as a response to J.H. Hassinger Construction, Inc.’s first ever nonprofit program designed to introduce construction curriculum into the classrooms of 4K-8^th grade students.  For more than 20 years, the construction industry has experienced a significant decline in its workforce pipeline, particularly in the trades.  As a passionate advocate for education, an active community leader, and a mother of 2 young children, Jennifer Delaporte, Director of Business Development for J.H. Hassinger Construction saw an opportunity to address this collective business challenge by creating a new approach to construction recruitment.  Jennifer wanted to explore what would happen if we, as construction professionals, started the conversation around recruitment sooner than high school or trade school. If we tried to harness the optimism, curiosity, and hope that comes with youth, along with the vigor that arises from a child’s imagination. What could students build, if given the right tools, the opportunity, and great mentors?  

The program, aptly titled, “There’s A Place For Everyone in ConstructionSM,” is a full school year of curriculum designed to introduce primary school students to the diverse career opportunities available in construction. Currently being piloted through a partnership with La’Ketta Caldwell, Opportunity Academy Director for LUMIN Schools at their Granville campus in Milwaukee, the program, sponsored by J.H. Hassinger Construction, Inc., has contributed more than $100,000 to construction education efforts in its first year, and introduced more than 250 students to construction as a career path and future workforce opportunity. Although still in its early stages, the impact is already significant and has plans to expand across Wisconsin, increasing its reach and continuing to prepare students with the confidence, skills, and awareness needed for success in the workplace and in life.  

Through a series of six interactive events, students design, estimate, plan, and build alongside professionals, offering young students hands-on career experiences and training before transitioning to high school.    

The curriculum is unique, as it integrates actual construction activities into the classroom experience. Utilizing architectural rulers and plans, scholars create an original design for the space. Additionally, program participants work with construction professionals to refine and change the design, emulating the authentic experience of client advocacy and engagement. Students receive coaching to prepare a public group presentation of their design, based on competitive criteria. A winning design is selected based on small group pitch presentations, offering students the ability to develop soft skills alongside technical skills to prepare them for future careers. Once a winning design is selected by community and construction industry leaders, scholars utilize bid sheets, budgets, and estimating projections, including materials and labor calculations, connecting classroom activities to real-world needs. As the ultimate testament to the power of ideas and construction, the project culminates with students witnessing their design come to life in an active construction project they can participate in. This year’s project is currently in construction and scheduled for completion by July 2026. The project, a 2,500 sf Meditation Garden, includes concrete, masonry, and carpentry features. Supported by private donors, J.H. Hassinger’s contributions and in-kind donations from subcontractors and partners, the final project completion demonstrates the impact and legacy a construction project can have on an entire community.    

Delaporte said, “The program is designed to get students excited about a potential career in construction, while preparing them with skills they will use beyond the classroom. Although all the students may not choose construction, “There’s A Place For Everyone in ConstructionSM,” gives students the opportunity to witness the diverse pathways communities are built, partnerships are formed, and ideas become reality.”    

Finalists for the Milwaukee BizTimes 2026 Nonprofit Excellence Corporate Citizen of the Year will be recognized, and the winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday, July 23, hosted at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., from 2:30PM to 6:00PM. We hope that you consider joining us to celebrate all the amazing people and their commitment to creating a better environment for all the communities in Wisconsin. 

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