Building Community, Developing Leaders: Interns Give Back

A Clayco and Kiewit joint venture intern-led service project turned hands-on learning into lasting community impact.

Some of the most meaningful work completed by interns in New Mexico this summer didn’t happen on a jobsite; it happened at a local nonprofit providing equine-assisted therapies to persons with special needs.

In July 2026, interns from the Clayco and Kiewit joint venture combined their skills, teamwork and creativity to support the nonprofit. What began as a volunteer idea evolved into a professionally planned construction project, giving interns the opportunity to lead, problem-solve and build something that would serve others after the summer ended.

They took full ownership of the project, scoping, planning, budgeting and executing improvements to support the nonprofit’s daily operations. Their work included restoring and repainting horse stables, building picnic tables and benches, improving the grounds and coordinating the installation of a 12-by-12-foot shed.

From Volunteer Idea to Professional Project Plan

The interns began the four-week project by listening. A site visit and conversations with the organization’s leadership helped them identify where they could make the greatest impact. From there, they developed the scope, material estimates, shopping lists, schedules and documentation needed to move the work forward.

Their planning mirrored professional construction practices. The team prepared safety and quality documentation, including a site-specific safety plan, pre-task safety assessments, a project quality plan, an inspection test plan and bench and painting checklists.

The project gave interns hands-on experience comparing prebuilt and hand-built options, translating hand-drawn blueprints into digital mockups and using an assembly line to build and weatherproof benches and tables. When challenges arose, including an unprecedented thunderstorm, limited paint supplies and shifting client needs, the team adapted by re-planning and working in safety-conscious shifts.

“I truly appreciated this experience because it offered the independence, trust and autonomy that allowed me to explore the field of construction from a professional perspective,” Estephanie G., field human relations intern, said.

Many Departments, One Goal

The project brought together 14 interns, nine volunteers, five departments and over 12 volunteer signups under one shared purpose.

The effort also reflected the strength of the Clayco and Kiewit joint venture, blending shared resources, construction expertise and a commitment to community into an intern-led team.

Building Leaders While Strengthening Community

For many interns, the project became a leadership lab. They gained experience in delegation, quality ownership and leading without authority while motivating peers and making decisions affecting the work’s success and safety.

The experience bridged the gap between the classroom and the field, giving interns the confidence and autonomy to lead. Many said the project’s greatest rewards were the mentorship, lasting friendships and meaningful community impact they experienced.

“Exceeding their needs was our goal,” Nicholas M., field engineer intern, said.  “It feels good knowing we positively impacted people right here in our local community.”