The Junior Builder Program:
Shaping Futures for Tomorrow's Industry Leaders
Presented by the BIASC and Its Builders for Better Communities Foundation (BBCF)
Developed in 2019, as an annual summer camp for local and underserved youth, Junior Builder was envisioned by co-founders Mia and Maddie Montejano, daughters of BIASC CEO Jeff Montejano. Its mission was to engage local students through hands-on learning that celebrates the heritage and evolution of Southern California housing, while inspiring the future leaders and tradesman that will shape the next generation of home building.
Hundreds of Youth Participants, One Priceless Experience
With a focus for building confidence and camaraderie through interactive experiences that spark curiosity and cultivate talents, Junior Builder has welcomed hundreds of students representing the Boys & Girls Clubs, Think Together, STEAM:CODERS and other community led organizations to a uniquely immersive experience that fuels passion beyond the classroom.
Junior Builder reaches communities throughout the five chapters the BIASC serves (Orange, LA/Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, Coachella Valley). Its achievements can be measured in the visible enthusiasm that students exhibit at every camp when visualizing their futures by exploring career paths that are someday achievable to them.
Marking the BIASC’s 100th Anniversary, Junior Builder members also enjoyed the extraordinary opportunity to design and ride on their award-winning float in the 2023 Rose Parade®
Over 500 Youth Participants
The Junior Builder program is empowering youth participants with first-hand knowledge through:
- Guided field trips to communities under construction
- Online home design competitions and presentations via the Roblox gaming app
- Connection to local officials and home building executives
Junior Builder 2026 Schedule
Junior Builder camps are held every year in late spring, summer (2 camps) and fall.
Upcoming 2026 camps:
- June 15 at Boys & Girls Club of La Habra and field trip at Risewell Homes’ Hudson community
- Summer – Orange County
- Fall – Coachella Valley
- Winter – Los Angeles at Kids Cancer Connection
Our Growing Team of Sponsors:
Investing in the Next Generation
Junior Builder’s reach has also had a significant impact on its dedicated supporters, including prominent home builders, impassioned volunteers, distinguished local officials, and generous sponsors, such as: So Cal Gas, Amazon, Rancho Mission Viejo, Pulte Group, Brookfield Residential, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers and many others.
Junior Builder partners deliver a range of support for students that range in age from nine to 14. Funds are critical to operate a camp that requires group transportation for an estimated 25 youths and chaperones, lunch, occasional venue fees, and prizes. Builder partners can additionally provide access to a community under construction that participants can visit and observe for themselves the many disciplines necessary to build a home like their own.
Interested in Sponsoring or Volunteering?
You can get involved and help shape the next generation in the homebuilding industry through volunteering sponsoring, and more. For information, contact BIASC’s Cristina Walters today at cwalters@biasc.org.
BIASC Junior Builder Founders
Mia and Maddie Montejano
Envisioning and co-founding the Junior Builder program when only 11-years-old, Mia Montejano will graduate from San Clemente High School in June 2026. She is an accomplished speaker, having presented her shared vision to audiences that featured President George W. Bush. She was recognized by the California State Senate for the 2024 California Women Making History Award.
Co-founder Maddie Montejano is completing her junior year at San Clemente High School. She too was recognized by the California State Senate for the 2024 California Women Making History Award.
For more information about Junior Builder, please contact Cristina Walters at cwalters@biasc.org.
