In a gesture combining education and community service, students from Fort Hayes Career Center Construction Trades are set to embark on a groundbreaking project that marries their curriculum with tangible outcomes; they will be constructing a home from scratch for a local Columbus family in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity MidOhio and the City of Columbus, a first for the school in over thirty years. According to a recent announcement from Columbus City Schools.
Amilleonna Golden, a student at Fort Hayes, encapsulated the broader implications of this initiative, telling the Columbus City of School's news page, "Growing up, I watched my mom struggle and not have much help. That sparked something in me, and I promised myself that one day, I would make a difference in the world someway, somehow,” revealing a personal connection to the cause furthermore indicating that such ventures can ignite aspirations extending beyond the job site and into the lives that they will eventually reshape through such community efforts. The groundbreaking is scheduled for August 18, 2025, near the school's campus at 893 Old Leonard Avenue.
This dynamic project not only imparts practical skills but also exposes students to the regulations and realities of the housing industry, by integrating work-based learning experiences with Habitat's commitment to neighborhood revitalization and affordable housing, thus shedding light on a critical social issue, affordable housing. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther acknowledged the program's synergy with the city's housing policies, noting, "Our region needs 200,000 new homes to address our housing shortage and the affordability challenges it’s causing," according to the Columbus City of Schools, underscoring the educational project's alignment with broader strategic needs of the city.
Dr. Angela Chapman, Superintendent and CEO of Columbus City Schools, highlighted the importance of this hands-on approach by expressing pride in how the program is cultivating leadership among the students and providing them with skills that have immediate community impact, and she conveyed this sentiment during the announcement, according to Columbus City of Schools, "We are growing leaders right here with students learning skilled trades and applying those skills while building a home that will soon welcome a Columbus family. Hands-on experience will help students earning industry certifications and strengthen the entire neighborhood in ways they can see. This is what it means to be career-ready and community-minded. We couldn't be prouder!" Further, City Council President Shannon G. Hardin reflected on the importance of supporting youth as they discover self-efficacy through such ventures.
Concluding the efforts, the students, alongside Habitat contractors, will erect a 1,456 square foot home that will be completed within an estimated seven-month timeframe, a timeline that accommodates for the academic calendar of the schools involved. This partnership, which began as a summer internship program in 2023, has now evolved to incorporate career shadow days, internships, mentorships, and apprenticeships. These initiatives are paving the way for more homes to be constructed, with another student-built Habitat house already in the planning stages for 2026.
