The students with their award
Kirkwood Community College students once again proved they can compete with the best in the nation, earning a third-place finish at the 2026 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition during the International Builders’ Show in Orlando.
The accomplishment is especially notable as Kirkwood entered the competition aiming for its fifth consecutive national title — a testament to the program’s sustained excellence and reputation on the national stage.
Representing Kirkwood’s student chapter of the NAHB, the team competed against leading construction programs from across the country. Over the course of several months, students developed an in-depth residential construction proposal for a project in Edmond, Oklahoma. Their work included architectural plans, detailed cost analyses, construction schedules, and a comprehensive management strategy.
The competition culminated in a live presentation before a panel of industry professionals and executives. For the students, it was an opportunity to defend their decisions, demonstrate technical knowledge, and showcase the kind of professionalism expected in today’s construction industry — all while balancing full course loads and part-time jobs.
This year’s team included:
- Lincoln Edwards, Construction Management
- Thomas Egger, Architectural Technology and Construction Management
- Jayden Grams, Architectural Technology and Construction Management
- Keaton Helleseth, Construction Management
- Will Karr, Construction Management
- Jonah Salow, Construction Management
Their performance reflects Kirkwood’s continued commitment to immersive, hands-on learning experiences that mirror real-world industry expectations. By the time they stepped onto the national stage in Orlando, these students weren’t just presenting a project — they were demonstrating the skills, preparation, and teamwork that define Kirkwood’s construction programs.
Kirkwood congratulates these students on their outstanding achievement and continued tradition of excellence.