Page 4 - TTMNSpring2026

Construction
Page 4 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

Housing Challenge Funds for Schools Program Now Accepting Proposals

RFP will be discussed: https://tinyurl.com/ on experiences where our students can learn
ysc6rymn a variety of skills to be successful in a career
in construction or at least knowing things
Minnesota Housing Awards $560K to about homeownership and maintenance,”
School-Led Projects Blending Trades said Tony Hommes, Construction Trades
Training and Affordable Housing Instructor at ISD 31.
Awarded districts include:
Last summer, Minnesota Housing
awarded more than $560,000 to six school- • Bemidji Area Schools — $99,750
led housing projects that are creating or — In partnership with Headwaters
preserving affordable homeownership Housing Development Corporation and
opportunities across Greater Minnesota. The NTC https://www.isd31.net
grants are part of the Housing Challenge • Goodhue Public Schools — $99,030
Funds for Schools program. — Collaborating with Goodhue County
The selected projects, in Beltrami, Habitat for Humanity https://www.
Goodhue, Sherburne, Wright, Nicollet, Lac goodhue.k12.mn.us
qui Parle, Swift and Chippewa counties, are • ISD 728 Elk River — $99,999 — Part-
to result in the construction or rehabilitation nering with Central Minnesota Habitat
of single-family homes. All six initiatives are for Humanity https://www.isd728.org
being led by school districts partnering with • Saint Peter Public Schools — $99,999
local nonprofits, Habitat for Humanity affili- — Continuing a long-standing part-
ates, and technical colleges. nership with Habitat for Humanity of
This is a fantastic opportunity for Min- - Kayla Schuchman, assistant commissioner When the original grants were awarded, South Central Minnesota https://www.
nesota public schools to apply for funds to of Minnesota Housing Jennifer Ho, commissioner of Minnesota stpeterschools.org
create or expand programs where students In 2023 high school students, working Housing, said, “I’ve traveled across the state • Kenyon-Wanamingo Schools —
build homes for low- and moderate-income with Catalyst for Systems Change (CSC), and heard firsthand from developers who are $61,690 - Advancing student-led
Minnesotans. A number of schools have successfully proposed a Minnesota state leg- struggling to find skilled labor. These proj- homebuilding in partnership with
already received state funds from last year’s islative change allowing public districts and ects do more than create affordable homes, Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity
round of grants. A new request for propos- charter schools to access Minnesota Housing they build the workforce our communities https://www.kw.k12.mn.us
als from the Minnesota Housing Agency now Agency funding. need.”
opens this to more district, alternative and In 2024, legislation enabled expanding Licensed instructors and experienced • Lac qui Parle Valley School District
charter public schools. the eligible uses of the Economic Devel- nonprofit partners are providing oversight, — $99,999 — Launching a home reha-
“Developers across the state have been opment and Housing Challenge (EDHC) tools, and support throughout the process. bilitation project with support from
clear that building more homes also means program to include grants for school districts, Projects will serve households earning at Southwest Minnesota Housing Partner-
building a stronger, skilled labor pipeline. charter schools and certain cooperative units. or below 80-115% of area median income ship https://www.lqpv.org
The Housing Challenge Funds for Schools The Minnesota Housing Agency request (AMI), with all homes located in designated
program supports affordable housing while for proposals (RFP) is found here: https:// workforce housing communities.
investing in students who will help lead Min- tinyurl.com/k86tec7u Here’s a link to a “These are viable career pathways and
nesota’s housing industry for years to come.” May 4, 3 p.m. free Zoom meeting where the my goal here is to provide real-world, hands-

Lac qui Parle Valley to Offer Unique Opportunity for Students Continued from Page 1

actively pursuing further financial support, A key logistical partner in this effort is a underscores the economic development that prepare them for life after graduation—
including a LYFT grant that could contrib- modular home building company in Monte- potential of initiatives that prepare students whether that path leads directly into the
ute an additional $15,000. The district has video, Minnesota. The company is providing for in-demand careers while also addressing workforce, technical training, or further
also received a strong commitment from the specialized trailers that will allow sections community housing needs. education.
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF), of the home to be built at the school and then This ambitious project has been brought As the 2026–2027 school year
which has pledged $100,000 toward the transported safely to the final site. This part- together through the leadership of Scott approaches, excitement continues to build
project. SWIF serves 18 counties and two nership not only supports the technical needs Sawatzky, LQPV’s 5–12 Principal. Through around what promises to be a transfor-
Native nations in rural southwest Minnesota, of the project but also exposes students to collaboration with multiple organizations, mative experience for LQPV students.
and its investment highlights the broader industry-standard practices in modular and Sawatzky has helped create an opportunity Through strong partnerships, dedicated
regional importance of workforce develop- transportable construction. that benefits not only students but also the leadership, and meaningful investment, this
ment initiatives like this one. Local businesses are also stepping up to broader community. By aligning education house-building project stands as a power-
The success of the project also depends support the effort. A nearby lumber company with workforce needs and community devel- ful example of what can be achieved when
heavily on strong community partnerships. located in Madison, has pledged an in-kind opment, this initiative serves as a model for schools and communities work together with
LQPV is working closely with the city of donation valued at $12,500 in materials and how schools can play a vital role beyond the a shared vision for the future.
Madison, Minnesota, including City Admin- discounted supplies. Contributions like this classroom.
istrator Val Halvorson, to identify and secure help stretch project funds further while rein- Importantly, this marks the first time in
a final site where the completed home will forcing the importance of local investment many years that LQPV has been able to offer
be placed. While construction will take in education and workforce development. students such a comprehensive, hands-on www.lqpv.org
place on-site at LQPV High School, the fin- Additional support is being provided construction experience. The project repre-
ished home will ultimately be transported to by the Madison Economic Development sents a renewed commitment to career and
Madison, further strengthening ties between Authority (EDA), which continues to explore technical education, ensuring that students
the school district and the local community. ways to assist the project. Their involvement have access to diverse learning opportunities