LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Civil engineering students from Ballard High School recently toured the under-construction Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, gaining a firsthand look at the real-world applications of their classroom lessons.

The students, equipped with reflective vests, safety glasses, and hard hats, were guided through the nearly $1 billion project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is overseeing the construction. The group explored the facility from the basement to the roof, learning about the building’s unique design.

“The building itself is made to expand and contract, so the building will actually move,” explained Steve Smith, lead quality assurance representative for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The students’ visit left a lasting impact. Devan Mott, a high school junior, shared how the experience influenced his future career path: “A lot of the workers told us their personal experiences, and it kind of inspired me. They told us to pursue pathways that we’ll enjoy in our futures, and this looks like a really good pathway, helping people.”

For Dariana Rubio, whose mother is an industrial engineer, the trip helped solidify her interest in the field. “I would love to see more women in this field. Walking around, seeing a couple really helped me feel more included, especially since there’s only three girls in my class,” Rubio said.

Both students were surprised by the scale of the project, which broke ground in November 2021 and is set to replace the aging Robley Rex Medical Center, built in the 1950s. The new facility is about 60-65% complete and is scheduled for completion in spring 2026.