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WHAT EXACTLY IS TOOLFEST?
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​​TOOLFEST is a designed experience that engages members and leaders of the built environment to intentionally provide meaningful and immersive early exposure links for youth and young adults. We are a hands-on journey that explores the tools, careers, skills, and stories behind the built environment to spark early connections for future builders.
We are an industry sponsored education program for students from various public school, public charter, homeschool and and education programs. The festival & program series will introduce students to professionals in the Professional Building Trades, Real Estate Development and Building Maintenance fields. We allow students to meet professionals, engage with various elements of the industry, work on small safe demonstration projects and engage with the building related construction industry. The goal of the program is to advocate and bring more awareness to CTE related careers, hobbies and interest as a pathways for youth.
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OUR HISTORY
TOOLFEST was created to address a growing need for early exposure to careers in the built environment for youth and young adults in the Washington, DC Metro Area. Recognizing that many students have little interaction with professionals in construction, real estate, and the building trades, the founders designed TOOLFEST as a hands-on educational festival to inspire curiosity, confidence, and interest in these fields.
From its inception, TOOLFEST focused on bridging the gap between students and industry by combining interactive learning, storytelling, and practical experiences with tools and trades. Early partners, including MCN Build and Chairamonte Construction, played a critical role in shaping the festival, providing both mentorship and hands-on demonstrations that set the standard for future events.
The first TOOLFEST events launched with a small group of partner organizations, local schools, and industry professionals, giving students the opportunity to try on hard hats, learn basic tools and terminology, and participate in safe, guided demonstration projects. The festival quickly gained traction, expanding partnerships to include educational institutions like Prince George’s Community College, allowing students to explore technical pathways and gain exposure to college programs supporting careers in the built environment. Since its inception, TOOLFEST has served over 2,000 students, providing meaningful connections, mentorship, and practical experiences that spark interest in the construction and building industries.
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As TOOLFEST grew, so did its reach beyond the Washington, DC area. The program expanded to Texas, beginning in Houston, through a strategic partnership with Eight Million Stories, an organization dedicated to youth education and career development. This collaboration allowed TOOLFEST to adapt its hands-on model to new communities, providing students with immersive experiences in construction, trades, and real estate, while fostering industry connections and mentorship opportunities. The expansion to Texas marked a significant milestone in TOOLFEST’s mission, demonstrating the scalability of the model and its ability to inspire future builders across diverse regions.
Through each phase of growth—both locally and nationally—TOOLFEST has remained committed to providing students with safe, engaging, and educational experiences that introduce them to careers in the built environment. From its early days with MCN Build and Chairamonte Construction, to its partnerships with colleges and national organizations, TOOLFEST continues to empower youth, shape career trajectories, and build a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to contribute to their communities.