When Appalachian State University students traveled to Bristol Motor Speedway for Appalachia Service Project's 10th Anniversary Race to Build, they knew they would be stepping into a fast-paced construction competition. What they may not have anticipated was how deeply the experience would shape their understanding of teamwork, adaptability and the power of service.
The Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment's team joined students from universities across the country to help construct homes for families in need during NASCAR weekend. While the competition tested construction knowledge, students say the most valuable lessons came from working together on an active job site and witnessing firsthand the impact of their efforts on the families they served.
For building science student Erin Heney, the experience highlighted the importance of flexibility and collaboration.
"At ‘Race to Build’, you're the crew, the management, you're every role," Heney said.
Throughout the weekend, she gained confidence using power tools, measuring materials and making quick calculations while learning to adapt to different teammates and responsibilities.
"I was building my adaptability to work with different types of people," she said. "That is the most important part of construction."
For fellow student Lucy Jacobowitz, ‘Race to Build’ reinforced the communication and teamwork skills essential to every successful construction project.
"Successful construction projects depend on collaboration and communication between many different people," Jacobowitz said.
While the construction work was rewarding, Jacobowitz said her strongest memories came from interacting with the family who would ultimately call the house home.
"They spent all weekend at the site supporting us and watching us build," she said. "I will never forget the looks on their faces as their new home came together."
Before students departed, homeowners and team members shared emotional farewells that underscored the impact of the project on everyone involved.
For Mackenzie Weyrick, the experience created opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment while helping others develop new skills.
"’Race to Build’ allowed me to apply what I learned in the classroom to a real construction environment," Weyrick said.
The hands-on nature of the experience provided lessons that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom setting, from operating power tools to solving unexpected challenges in the field.
One of Weyrick's most memorable moments came at the end of the build.
"When we arrived on the first day, there was only a foundation," she said. "By the time we left, we had helped build a completely dried-in home."
Seeing the homeowners' excitement grow as the structure took shape made the demanding work worthwhile.
While students returned home with new technical skills and stronger friendships, they also came away with a deeper appreciation for the mission behind ‘Race to Build’. The experience challenged them to apply their knowledge under real-world conditions, work alongside teammates toward a common goal and help provide a family with a safe place to call home.
About the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment at Appalachian State University features an integrated array of programs spanning the fields of sustainable design and technology. Its mission is to foster a strong and vibrant culture of inquiry, discovery and innovation that integrates theory with application, problem seeking with problem-solving, local issues with global perspectives and technological progress with environmental stewardship. It offers bachelor’s degrees in sustainable technology and building science, and a master’s degree in technology.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education for all.
Race to Build 2026 thumb recap
Race to Build 2026 thumb recap