On June 15, Airdrie-based high-school students in Rocky View Schools’ (RVS) Building Futures program had the opportunity to showcase their work and celebrate a significant program milestone at the same time.
The Grade 10 students showed off the house they’ve been helping build this school year alongside representatives from local developer McKee Homes. But the exhibit also celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Building Futures – an alternative program that tasks students with learning valuable trades-related skills as they assist in the development of a house from start to finish.
RVS Superintendent Greg Luterbach said in a press release the school division is grateful for McKee Homes and the work they have done with their students over the past 10 years.
“We are incredibly proud of the success of Building Futures and excited to celebrate this milestone with McKee Homes, their contractors, RVS students and staff and the community,” he said.
Building Futures is a year-round alternative academic program that is offered to RVS students entering Grade 10. The program is partnered with McKee Homes in Airdrie and Kingsmith Builders in Cochrane. The program allows students to learn alongside tradespeople as they work with their peers to construct a house.
Wanting students to seek out educational opportunities they find interesting, Luterbach said the program has encouraged students to do just that.
RVS Community Learning Centre principal, Greg Rankin, stated in the same press release that Building Futures has given students a new outlook on what learning can look like beyond the classroom.
He added the students feel accomplished at the end of the school year, knowing they have completed their studies while simultaneously helping build a home and developing construction- and trades-related skillsets.
“This is a great opportunity for students who want to experience what learning can look like outside the traditional classroom,” Rankin said. “While completing their core curriculum, students also feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the year when they look at the home they have helped build from the ground up.”
McKee Homes has been a major cornerstone to the program’s success, according to RVS. The local developer has been supporters of the program since its inception in 2013.
Project Manager Sheri McAllister said Building Futures provides students with the opportunity to learn about business, construction, and leadership opportunities.
“This program is a two-way street – youth discover construction and business skills, community leadership and career opportunities, while our trades, suppliers and staff get to learn from each new group of students as every year has offered fresh opportunities and unique challenges,” she said.
McAllister said that since 2013, they have worked hard to teach students and teachers McKee’s qualities. She added that they look forward to another year of partnership with RVS in 2023-24.
