Indianapolis, Indiana – While many students are spending their summer months relaxing, a group of dedicated young people from Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is hard at work building real-world skills and getting hands-on experience in the construction industry. These opportunities come thanks to Russell’s Building Camp, a nonprofit founded by IPS alumnus and local construction executive Adrian Russell.
Russell, a 2007 graduate of Arsenal Technical High School and a proud member of the IPS Hall of Fame, launched the camp in 2020 with a clear mission—introduce youth from all backgrounds to career paths in the construction and building trades. Four years later, the impact is clear: more than 500 Indianapolis-area students have participated in the program, and it’s quickly becoming a meaningful pipeline into the industry.
“I wanted to bring to light a fabulous partnership that’s delivering outstanding results for IPS students,” said Russell. “As an alumnus, it means the world to give back to the district and students I deeply relate to.”
This year, the camp expanded its reach with a focused high school mentorship cohort, including 92 students from 16 area schools, with 35 of them coming from IPS—specifically Arsenal Technical and George Washington high schools. The program offered students career exploration, direct mentorship, and networking opportunities with local contractors, companies, and trades professionals.
Now, four students from IPS are putting what they’ve learned into action through internships with local industry partners. They include:
• Angel Cortez Cantor, a junior at Arsenal Tech, working with Patrium LLC, a general contracting firm
• Kevin Ramirez, also a junior at Arsenal Tech, interning with Accent Coatings LLC, a commercial painting company
• Eduardo Linares Miranda, another Arsenal Tech junior, who is working with TeenWorks
• Kenny Adair, a senior from George Washington High School, gaining experience with Gaylor, a commercial electrical contractor
These students aren’t just observing—they’re participating in real work settings and developing career-ready skills in the process. Russell emphasized that these placements are carefully chosen and supported to help the students thrive.
“Not only are these students on the fast track to incredible careers, but they also have a full support system with them at every turn,” Russell said. “That success is no accident.”
For many students, this experience is about more than just a job—it’s the first step toward a future they may never have considered. Through Russell’s Building Camp, they’re discovering what’s possible when given the tools, opportunity, and encouragement to succeed.
The effort is also a full-circle moment for Russell himself. Now an executive with Shiel Sexton, a major Indianapolis-based construction firm, he credits his own IPS education for helping shape his success. By launching this camp and staying closely involved, he’s helping today’s students write a new chapter for themselves—one built with purpose, passion, and possibility.
With support from community partners and schools, Russell’s Building Camp continues to grow. And for students like Angel, Kevin, Eduardo, and Kenny, that growth could mean not just summer jobs, but lifelong careers built on a strong foundation.
