World of Concrete puts Penn College on the 'map'

Penn College’s concrete science technology major is hitting the world stage, thanks to recent posts by World of Concrete, an international trade show that attracts more than 50,000 visitors each year.

The show encompasses 700,000 square feet inside and outside the Las Vegas Convention Center – and each year, Penn College concrete science students are among the participants.

“The show opens up the eyes of the students as to the broad scope of the concrete industry,” said Franklin H. Reber, instructor of building construction technology, who initiated the college’s concrete science technology major. “They meet future employers, network with industry partners, take courses that pique their interest in the concrete industry and have a chance to see the latest and greatest concrete materials and equipment.”

To tout that fact, World of Concrete recently posted a video highlighting the Penn College students’ experience on its website. It also shared the video on its YouTube channel – which alone has more than 150,000 subscribers – as well as its LinkedIn account and Facebook page.

Reber began taking students to World of Concrete when the college launched the concrete science technology major in Fall 2018. In 2025, 15 Penn College students attended.

“This has always been 100% funded by the generous donations of industry; otherwise we would have never been able to go,” Reber said.

"Although Frank has done a tremendous job raising funds each year to help the students attend, those funds cannot keep up with the level of interest we have from the students who want to attend the show,” said Ellyn A. Lester, Penn College’s assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies.

Reber approached World of Concrete’s president and vice president for their input.

“They were very receptive in helping aide in getting the future generation to WOC,” Reber said.

Not only did World of Concrete offer to post the video of students’ experience, but it offered a free exhibit booth (worth $7,000) at the 2026 event and is helping cover the cost of students’ housing and admission to the show. 

“By developing a direct relationship with WOC's leadership, Frank has proactively ensured that our students will be able to attend for many years to come," Lester said.

The partnership also provides international exposure for the concrete science technology major.

"As one of the largest trade shows in the world, and the only one dedicated to concrete and masonry, we are thrilled to have World of Concrete's support in getting more students exposed to the numerous opportunities in the concrete profession,” Lester said. “There’s so much possibility in this field, and the students love the experience!"

Penn College’s concrete science technology major was launched to fill the workforce need for specialists who understand the science of concrete – the world’s most widely used construction material. The major provides a mixture of science, technology and construction education. To learn more, visit www.pct.edu/concrete.