We’re proud to partner with multiple schools and youth programs to provide students with hands-on learning experiences in building trades. Throughout the year, we’ve worked with Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Hamilton Community Schools, Crossroads Alternative High School, Kent Intermediate School District (KISD), Muskegon Public Schools, West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI), and YouthBuild Grand Rapids.  

As the school and program years come to an end, we’re highlighting the work and impact of four of these organizations: YouthBuild Grand Rapids, Hamilton Community Schools, and interns from KISD and WMCI. 

YouthBuild Grand Rapids

YouthBuild is a global organization that has local programs across the country, including here in Grand Rapids, operated through Bethany Christian Services. The program helps students pursue education and prepare for future careers by offering pre-apprenticeship construction training, GED education, OSHA 10 training, leadership development, and more. 

This is the second year we’ve partnered with YouthBuild, having a cohort of students between the ages of 17 and 24 join us on-site in the winter and spring. The spring cohort of 12 students contributed significantly to two homes, both on the interior and exterior. While their time with us ended at the end of April, the students will graduate from the program in July and will receive job placement and transition assistance through YouthBuild. 

Hamilton Community Schools 

Through Hamilton Community School’s Ignite program, high school students get a well-rounded education through a mix of traditional classes, participating in ROUTE which combines online coursework with in-field trade experience, and working with a non-profit on a weekly basis.  

Since October, 14 ninth and tenth graders have worked on construction sites with us in Kent County and Muskegon and will continue to join us through the end of the school year. Next fall, the current ninth graders will have the opportunity to choose an internship and keep working alongside us, while this year’s tenth graders will have the chance to apply to the tech center. 

WMCI and KISD Construction Interns 

We were joined this winter and spring by two construction interns: David from WMCI and Liam from KISD. They worked on a variety of tasks during their time, including framing, roofing, siding installation, finishing work, and more. 

Liam has worked with us since the fall, coming out to site multiple times a week as part of the Work-Based Learning Program. This program offers a variety of internship opportunities, helping students learn new skills and strengthening the ones they already have. About his time with Habitat, Liam shares, “It’s a great opportunity to build relationships and learn skills. It allows you to seek and find wisdom about where you would like to take your future in construction.” 

David began working with us this winter as part of WMCI’s High School Construction Training Program. It is a state-approved career and technical education program that allows students to receive high school credit while exploring trades. David reflects on his experience with Habitat and shares, “It’s the best hands-on learning I’ve ever gotten.” 

Thank You, Students! 

Working with all the students and watching them steadily build confidence, technical skills, and pride in their craftsmanship within the construction trade has been an incredibly rewarding experience. We look forward to continuing these partnerships and building homes alongside even more students next school year.

If you are part of an educational program and would like to partner with us, reach out to Stacie Parker, our Volunteer Services Manager, at sparker@habitatkent.org.