DENVER (KDVR) -- On Monday, Garney Construction kicked off a free week-long summer camp at Explorative Pathways for Innovative Careers' campus in Littleton to introduce Denver high school girls to careers in construction.

Garney Construction is a national water and wastewater contractor that currently holds a regional office in Denver.

Camp Garney originally started in Kansas City in 2024, and has now expanded to Colorado and Florida. The mission of Camp Garney is meant to create excitement around the construction industry by creating a supportive environment for participants to learn skill-building, teamwork and career exploration.

 "We want these young ladies to realize there is a spot for everyone in construction, including them," Katie Grooms, Garney Senior Manager of Craft Training and Development, stated. "It is a male-dominated field, we want them to see they can have a place here."

The United States Department of Labor reported in 2024 that women in the construction industry made up only 11.2% of the total employed workforce.

"It's an opportunity for us to empower the next generation of construction workers. Whether that be in the office, whether that be engineers, whether that be in the field and really let people know what is out there for them," stated Grooms.

Grooms also stated that progressively throughout the week, she sees the confidence in the young women attendees grow and that it is "inspiring".

The Garney Camp is expected to continue until June 20.