Page 6 - TTMNSpring2026

Construction
Page 6 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

Building Futures: How Habitat Partnerships Are Transforming Student

Learning in Minnesota

student engagement, especially among those working on a build site. As the year pro-
who thrive in hands-on learning environ- gresses, they will move into more hands-on
ments. In addition to technical abilities, activities guided by educators and industry
students develop essential soft skills such professionals.
as teamwork, communication, and problem- Collaboration will be a key part of
solving. For the school district, the program the Elk River program. CMHFH will work
offers a valuable way to prepare students closely with teachers to ensure learning
for careers in the trades, an area of growing objectives align with classroom instruc-
demand. tion while also bringing in construction
“This program gives students an oppor- professionals to provide mentorship and
tunity you just can’t replicate in a traditional real-world insight. This exposure helps stu-
classroom,” said Joe Schulte, teacher at dents understand not only how to build, but
Sartell High School. “They take ownership why certain techniques and standards matter
of their work, they see the results of their in the industry.
effort every day, and they begin to under- “We’re excited to bring this opportunity
stand the value of skilled trades in a very real to Elk River and build something meaning-
way. All great benefits, but just as impor- ful from the ground up,” said Amy Lord of
tantly, they realize the need for teamwork Elk River. “It’s about giving students real
and experience what it means to contribute experiences, connecting them with profes-
to something bigger than themselves.” sionals, and helping them discover skills and
From CMHFH’s perspective, the career paths they may not have considered
partnership has been equally rewarding. before.”
Working with students brings energy and Throughout the first year, students will
enthusiasm to each build while helping cul- take part in a variety of construction tasks,
tivate the next generation of skilled workers steadily building both confidence and skills.
Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity tices to more advanced framing, finishing, and community-minded individuals. The program is designed to be progressive,
Across Minnesota, partnerships and project coordination. As the program Looking Ahead: Elk River’s First- allowing students to see tangible results
between schools and community organi- has matured, so have the students’ abilities, from their work while developing a deeper
zations are creating meaningful, hands-on with many gaining enough experience to Year Vision appreciation for the building process.
learning experiences for students. One contribute confidently to real-world building Building on the success in Sartell, a The expected outcomes are both prac-
standout example is the collaboration projects alongside professionals. new partnership is taking shape in Elk River, tical and personal. Students will leave the
between school districts and Central Minne- Just as important has been the strength with an exciting first year ahead for students, program with foundational construction
sota Habitat for Humanity (CMHFH), where of the partnership itself. Over the years, educators, and Central Minnesota Habitat skills, a stronger understanding of possible
students gain real-world construction skills Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity, for Humanity. career paths, and the satisfaction of con-
while contributing to projects that make educators, and the school district have built The Elk River program will focus on tributing to something meaningful in their
a lasting difference in their communities. strong working relationships. That consis- laying a strong foundation—both literally community. For educators, the partnership
Through both established (Sartell-St Stephen tency has allowed for better planning, deeper and educationally. Early on, students will offers a dynamic way to strengthen techni-
High School) and emerging programs (Elk curriculum integration, and a shared under- be introduced to core construction concepts, cal education while deepening connections
River High School), these partnerships are standing of expectations and outcomes. safety protocols, and the fundamentals of between schools and the community.
helping build not only homes, but futures. Teachers have been Looking ahead, CMHFH is also explor-
In addition to its work with Sartell able to align class- ing future partnerships with additional high
and Elk River, CMHFH has maintained a room instruction with schools across its four-county service area.
strong 11-year partnership with St. Cloud on-site experience, These efforts aim to expand opportunities
Tech High School. This long-standing rela- creating a seamless for students, strengthen local workforce
tionship has helped connect students with connection between development, and continue building mean-
hands-on construction experience, indus- theory and practice. ingful connections between education and
try knowledge, and career pathways in the “The growth community impact.
trades, further supporting workforce devel- we’ve seen over the
opment efforts across the region, all while past five years has To learn more regarding:
helping to serve underrepresented students been incredible,” said • Partnership Approach
in the construction industry. Chad Bouley, Central
MN Habitat Executive • Logistics
A Five-Year Success Story in Sartell Director. “Students are • Tech College Partnerships
Over the past five years, the Sartell not only learning con- • Documents (contracts/insurance)
program has grown into a model of sus- struction skills, they’re Visit our website: cmhfh.org or
tained success, showing how consistent gaining confidence, Contact Chad Bouley:
collaboration can have a lasting impact on learning how to work cbouley@cmhfh.org or
student learning. What began as a hands-on as a team, and seeing phone 320-656-8890
opportunity has evolved into a comprehen- firsthand the impact
sive experience that builds technical skills, they can have in their
confidence, and career readiness. community.”
Students in the Sartell partnership have The benefits have
developed a wide range of construction been significant. Edu-
skills, from basic tool use and safety prac- cators report increased