On February 28, fourth, fifth and sixth graders who completed projects for the STEM Fair at Sunset View Elementary, embarked on a STEM careers’ field trip with Roche Constructors Inc.,  the company contracted to renovate and repurpose an existing building adjacent to the Provo town center mall. Partnering with “Target Corporation”, students were led on a tour of the new building.  The 15 tour guides were tradesmen and project managers with years of technical and engineering experience  who collaborated on the construction and retrofitting of the new Target.  The store will house a Starbucks,  Vision Center, Ulta Beauty, and pharmacy.  The store  is scheduled to open Mid-April.  

Roche Constructors Inc. also provided tools and materials for students to build a small wooden bridge.  Each team of 4-5 students  had exactly 45 minutes and 100 popsicle sticks to design and create a bridge that could withstand up to 130 pounds. Each team then had a chance to have their bridge tested with a special load bearing system that Roche Constructors designed.  One team won the contest for withstanding 130 pounds of weight a second team won the category of best design their bridge basted special signage, depicting the Target logo.

Roche Constructors and the TARGET corporate managers who flew out from Minnesota to attend this event, with students, their paths and journeys in science-focused occupations.  Tom Roche, President and CEO of Roche Constructors, and his two sons, (partners in the company) said, “Our goal for this activity was to share our passion and our commitment to the construction  industry, and perhaps inspire students to pursue careers in STEM-related fields, especially in regards to construction management, electrical engineering, HVAC, and architecture. “. Students received T-shirts which included a shared image of the Target logo, Sunset View mascot, and the Roche logo.