Hands-on learning: Airdrie students showcase homes they helped build

Yesterday, Rocky View Schools (RVS) students showcased the homes they have been working on for the school year through the Building Futures Program.

It was a special day for 28 Airdronians, as they got to show their loved ones what they had been working on for their Grade 10 school year.

Building Futures is a full-year academic program for Grade 10 students, offered in partnership with McKee Homes in Airdrie. In addition to learning subjects like math, science, social studies and English, students work together to construct a house. Through the program, they engage in hands-on learning guided by tradespeople associated with residential home building. 

Some students also showcased some side projects they have been working on which you can see below.

Photo of the two homes the students help build.

Sheri Mcallister, Construction Superintendent and Project Manager for Building Futures is proud of all that the students have accomplished this year.

"You get to see everything come together as the houses are done. It's also a farewell for the students as this program is only for Grade 10's."

Mcallister went on to share that she was looking at pictures from the fall from when the students first started and talked about how much they have changed.

"Everyone's physically grown, but also how much the kids grow as a person. They were with so many different adults throughout the year learning to do different skills, problem-solving, learning to be independent, and also learning to ask for help when they needed it. It's been a tremendous growth curve for the kids."

Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown is thankful to have a program like this in Airdrie.

"It's created opportunities for hundreds of kids that have gone through the program, they've excelled in so many different ways through the years. I want to thank everybody who has helped make this program happen and I hope it is here forever."

Year 12 of the program will begin next school year just down the street from these two houses in the Chinook neighbourhood.

The Airdrie program recently celebrated its 10th year during the 2022/23 school year.

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