Your Donations At Work

Category: Member-Features
11/07/2018

Tracer Bowar is a junior at North Dakota State University in the construction management program. Bowar received Home Builders Care of Fargo-Moorhead Foundation scholarships in 2017 and 2018. He understands the importance of scholarships and the mentorship he receives from the HBA of F-M.

Bowar’s adventure started 58 miles south of the Fargo-Moorhead area in Wahpeton, N.D. His love for construction started when his family was building a new home and he was visiting the site daily. His parents noticed his passion for the trade and encouraged him to follow his dream. Bowar knew building was what he wanted to do when he grew up, but construction technology classes were not offered at Wahpeton High School. 

During his junior and senior year, Bowar took advantage of the construction technology course offered at Southeast Region Career and Technology Center (SRCTC) in Wahpeton during the summer. The program taught him how to set floor joists, lay the subfloor, frame and sheath the exterior walls, set and sheath roof trusses and shingle the enclosure. The end goal was to provide new, yet affordable, housing one house at a time for the Wahpeton Community.

SRCTC is headquartered in Wahpeton but serves many smaller area schools by providing them with career-readiness opportunities. They offer courses such as Health Professions, Culinary Arts, Construction Technology, and several other technically focused opportunities. The skills Bowar learned gave him what he needed to start his career in the field. The next summer he went to work as a construction laborer for more experience. 

Bower (second from right) helped Home Builders Care Foundation build a handicap accessible ramp with other students and HBA of F-M members. 

Then he received an internship at Interstate Engineering, Inc, where he was able to build on his skills by inspecting underground installation of water mains, sanitary and storm sewers and more.

Damon DeVillers, Interstate Engineers, says, “I suggest students experience as many different types of summer jobs within your field during college summer years. Gaining as much experience in all of the different aspects of your field of study will make you a more well-rounded person when it comes to deciding on a career.”

As Bowar’s path continued to grow, he found himself at North Dakota State University. He joined the Student Chapter where he was able to add to his experience and show his leadership skills as president. He has taken part in local and international competitions and has grown NDSU’s Student Chapter membership by 30 percent. His chapter believes in his guidance and leadership so much, that they have elected him president for a second term.

Bowar has taken the advice, knowledge and experience from his instructors, past employers, friends, family and his local Home Builders Association and has been able to witness the different advantages/disadvantages of public versus private work. His roots are deep in the Red River Valley area where he would like to continue his career in residential building. Donations to Home Builders Care Foundation support students interested in construction careers. Learn more at hbcfm.com.