The Bellwether District Dispatch
The Bellwether District continues to reshape the future of construction by doubling down on our investment in the young women and men who will power the industry for decades to come.
Even as we pursue sustainable building and innovative construction methods, The Bellwether District understands that we can only boost productivity, drive long-term growth, and contribute to the economic vitality of this region by investing in human talent.
For our young people, awareness of careers in construction is the first step. Our focus at The Bellwether District is to provide them with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the industry, and connect them to real career opportunities. One example is our partnership with Rosie’s Girls, IBEW Local 98’s pre-apprenticeship program that is expanding opportunities for young women in Philadelphia in the building and construction trades by providing advanced training and familiarizing them with industry career options. Now, almost two years and another graduating class since its inception, the program is going beyond preparation. In partnership with The Bellwether District, Rosie’s Girls is now making sure the path from apprenticeship to actual job placement includes paid, hands-on experiences in construction and electrical work.
This summer, 6abc joined us at The Bellwether District to learn more about how we’re helping to bridge this gap between education and employment while supporting the next generation of women in the trades. Check it out.
Read on to learn how The Bellwether District is creating more pathways for our young people to enter the construction industry.
This summer, we welcomed another class of dynamic high school interns from across Philadelphia! These bright and incredibly driven young people gained hands-on experiences, grew their professional skills, and explored careers in real estate, engineering, environmental science, and much more.
In May, The Bellwether District took part in the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and The School District of Philadelphia’s 2025 Dare to Dream Career Week Our team participated in a kick-off ceremony with Mayor Cherelle Parker and hosted students from Furness High School for a tour and discussion about careers in the real estate industry.
The Bellwether District 2025 Interns
2025 Dare to Dream Career Week
For the 4th consecutive year, The Bellwether District also welcomed a group of over 30 young women in grades 7-12 who were graduating from this year’s Mentoring Young Women in Construction (MyWIC) camp, a program of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)’s Philadelphia chapter. Alongside hands-on activities, students took a tour of The Bellwether District and learned not just about the campus, but also the career paths available in real estate and construction.
And before July came to a close, The Bellwether District invited students from Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters’ CARP 311 program for a tour of our campus and to learn more about what we’re building here in South Philly. The CARP 311 program provides Philadelphia students with real-world exposure to carpentry and the skilled trades. During their visit, they got to see carpentry work in action!
In the Community
Ahead of Labor Day weekend, The Bellwether District joined City Council President Kenyatta Johnson for his annual Community Appreciation Day. This year’s theme was education matters, with kids receiving free school supplies - right on time for the start of the 2025-26 school year. Thousands of our South Philadelphia neighbors (and Gritty!) came out for food, live entertainment, game trucks and amusement rides, and educational and social service resources, with this year’s crowd being one of the largest in the event’s history.
Our team also joined State Representative Jordan Harris at his 11th annual Soul School Summer Festival. The event featured live entertainment (including performer Busta Rhymes!) and resources from local vendors.
Please join us
Site Tours of The Bellwether District
Friday, October 17th between 3-6pm ET
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In August, Kurt Carter, HRP Group’s SVP of Industrial Development and proud Drexel alum, served as a mentor for NAIOP Greater Philadelphia Chapter’s Summer Program at Drexel University. The program introduces rising high school juniors and seniors to the dynamic world of commercial real estate, helping shape the next generation of industry leaders.
In July, our team hosted Girls Inc of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey’s Design & Build Camp for a site tour. We were honored to host Girls Inc as they continue building a new generation of strong, smart and bold leaders.
2025 Girl’s Inc Site Visit
2025 Community Appreciation Day
2025 Soul School Summer Festival
2025 MyWIC Site Visit 2025 NAIOP Summer Program