Each year for the last 25 years, Sheboygan Area School District students from both North and South High Schools who are enrolled in Career & Technical Education build a house from the foundation to the interior finishing touches. This unique, innovative opportunity gives students the chance to experience hands-on work and gain skills, experience, and connections to pursue a career in construction trades.

“It is incredibly important for our schools to prepare students for the future by offering real-world, hands-on learning experiences,” said Superintendent Seth Harvatine.

The project kicks off each year with a groundbreaking ceremony where students’ confidence is bolstered by program leaders and the excitement for the upcoming project is palpable. Students, their family members, community members, representatives from the district, local carpenters, and electricians all come together at this ceremony to recognize the hard work about to be underway.

At this year’s event, the crisp morning air surrounded those in attendance, an American flag waved in the slight breeze, and a large table was filled with hard hats and donated gear. Each student in attendance had the opportunity to stand in front of their peers and community members and share why they decided to participate in the program. From the desire to gain hands-on experience in building a house, to getting their foot in the door early for a career in construction or electrical engineering, every student’s story was distinctive and personal. Their statements of intent were powerful.

Brian Sippel, North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters representative, spoke at the program. Brian graduated from South High School in 1999 and participated in the first-ever house construction project. He shared with those in attendance how his experience within the program in high school helped to guide his career path and become the successful carpenter he is today.

But before any construction work could begin, students enrolled in the district’s Project Lead the Way Civil Engineering and Architecture classes designed a house plan. The students’ plans are evaluated by a group of industry builders and educators, and the top design is chosen to be built the next school year.

The student-built house constructed over the prior school year was recently sold for $410,000. Proceeds from the sale will go toward scholarships, tools, and equipment, as well as purchasing land for future construction projects.

Now that the weather is colder, students have wrapped up the house framing and installed the trusses - the triangular wooden structures used to support the roof. Soon the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC installations will be complete. Instructor and project manager Ted Schermetzler will continue to lead the students every step of the way.

This is truly a community project. Students benefit from working alongside local contractors, carpenters, electricians, and other skilled professionals, who guide and teach them throughout the construction process. A Construction Trades committee made up of representatives from local businesses, organizations, and school staff meets regularly to guide and support the project and the students involved.

The Sheboygan Area School District looks forward to another successful year for this popular program!