Hands-on experience: Students in Spring ISD constructing tiny home
Construction of a solarpowered tiny home is underway in Spring that, once completed, will be gifted to a community member in need. The builders are none other than a group of high schoolers on their way to earning certifications that will give them an edge as they enter the workforce.
A new career and technical education program in Spring ISD is allowing students to get home building experience by constructing tiny houses.
The Construction Management Pathway started this year at Carl Wunsche Sr. High School. The program offers firsthand construction experience and an opportunity to hone skills such as drilling and painting. Students are also learning how to run electrical wires throughout the home and install solar panels, donated by Mountaintop Development.
The house is a little over 100-square-feet and functions by a solar panel installed on the roof. It will also feature a bed, small kitchen and sitting area.
When finished, the home will be donated to a person in need. CTE instructor Isaac Rivera said he and a fellow teacher discussed plans to introduce the program in the past but lacked the resources to do so. However, with grant funding and a partnership with Mountaintop Development, everything was laid out to launch the project this year.
“This is a great program for (students) because they learn and they’re also getting certifications,” Rivera said.
Through the program, students may earn two certifications: OSHA 30-Hour Training, a safety course, and a National Center for Construction Education and Research certification. Students can earn the certifications for free by the time they graduate, giving them an advantage as they pursue a career in the construction industry.
For high school junior Betsaida De La Paz, joining the program was a no brainer. De La Paz said she is learning valuable skills for the future as she helps build the tiny home.
Principal Alfred James said more students are expressing interest in the construction management program, and the school is planning to add courses in the near future. James believes this program is setting students up for success.
“It’s being confident in their abilities to be college- and career-ready, social responsibilities and globally competitive,” James said. “These kids are going to have skills that most people that go into the workforce won’t have because they’re getting those hands-on experiences right here on campus.”