Youth gain hands-on experience through Student Build partnership

In 2020, Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley partnered with the South and West Washtenaw Consortium (SWWC) for the first time to offer the Student Build program, where students helped Habitat renovate a home for a low-income family or individual in Washtenaw County.

During the 2020-21 school year (despite the challenges of COVID-19), 36 students from six SWWC districts of Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Milan, Lincoln and Saline participated in the program. Due to COVID-19, the districts operated on a hybrid schedule through the year, however students participated in-person at the Building Trades Habitat site during the week for approximately 7 hours over a two-week period.

Through the duration of the program, students received in-person, hands-on class instruction at the Habitat site. Students experienced demolition, framing, insulation, roofing, siding, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, building a deck, constructing a garage, installing the windows, painting and landscaping.

“The students exercised academic and technical skills while, at the same time, performing a service to the community. They are more understanding and empathic individuals due to this project,” Executive Director of the SWWC Ryan Rowe said. “Many of the students will enter college or a career focused on the building trades. This is a benefit to the students and also local employers… we are very proud of this partnership and look forward to continuing collaborative efforts with Habitat for Humanity in the future.”