It was a summer of hands on learning and earning in the construction industry for high school students from across Harnett and Lee Counties. 

"I just like being out there and being able to get involved in something that was making a difference," said Hunter Gonia, who graduated from Southern Lee High School in May. 

Before this summer Gonia had never been on a construction site. Now, he can say he helped lay storm drain pipe for a hospital.  

Gonia was one of 14 students from high schools in Harnett and Lee counties who completed the 2026 Construction Academy held by Sanford Contractors, Inc. in partnership with CCCC. The group, the largest to date, included current high school students and some very recent high school graduates. 

Students gained access to the program through a competitive application process. They worked alongside Sanford Contractors mentors, gaining valuable industry experience, building new skills, and laying the foundation for potential future careers — all while getting paid and earning CCCC college credit. 

By combining education with real-world experience, the nine-week pre-apprenticeship program benefits both students and the local construction industry. 

Sanford Contractors honored the students at a recent celebration to wrap-up the program. Mentors who worked with the students shared personal praise and well-wishes for each of the apprentices as family members and loved ones watched.

Evan Maynard, a rising Senior at Western Harnett High School who was praised for his hard work, said his experience included working on a grading crew and building roads. 

"I loved everything about it," he said. "It's kind of awesome seeing how stuff's built from the ground up." 

Participating schools include Lee County High School, Southern Lee High School, Grace Christian School, Lee Christian School, Ascend Leadership Academy, Western Harnett High School, Central Carolina Academy, Lee Early College, and Bragg Street Academy. Students from these schools can take part in the Construction Academy as rising juniors or seniors or as fresh graduates. 

Sanford Contractors plans to hold info sessions in the fall. Schools will share the application link with eligible students and applications will open in January and close in February.