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Construction Trades
Page 4 Electronic Edition: www .teachingtodaywi .com

Building Homes, Building Futures: Inside Monroe’s LAUNCH

Skilled Building Trades Program

are experiencing workforce shortages. This
program tackles both issues at once.
Of the 36 students who participated in the
first two years, 18 have gone directly into the
trades or pursued construction-related degrees,
including construction management at a nearby
college. Many have joined local contractors,
strengthening the county’s workforce pipeline.
Community Partnerships
The program would not be possible
without collaboration with the community.
Monroe School District partners with GCDC,
local contractors, realtors, the City of Monroe,
and other Green County school districts. If this The long-term vision is clear: build quality
year’s project wraps up early, students may homes, strengthen the local workforce, and
assist Green County Habitat for Humanity on give students a meaningful pathway into skilled
their home build. This opportunity will reinforce trades careers.
the service-minded spirit behind the program.
In Green County, students aren’t just con-
Looking Ahead structing houses. They’re constructing their
Planning is already underway for next year, futures, one board, one blueprint, and one
Cara Carper and what it takes to communicate clearly when with invitations again extended to all Green opportunity at a time.
Student Occupation & Academic Readiness plans shift. County school districts to continue to provide
(SOAR) Coordinator the benefit of the program county-wide. The
Monroe School District Facilities and Learning Spaces new Monroe High School facility will further
In Green County, students aren’t just learn- Currently, students split time between expand hands-on opportunities and strengthen monroeschools.com
ing about construction, they’re building homes classroom instruction and the active job site. continuity between classroom and job site.
that change lives. The LAUNCH Skilled Build- However, with the construction of the Monroe
ing Trades program, also known as the Home School District’s new high school, a dedicated
Construction Cooperative, is part of Monroe LAUNCH area and updated technical education
School District’s innovative LAUNCH ini- spaces will give students access to modern shop
tiative. Designed for juniors and seniors, facilities before stepping onto the build site.
LAUNCH connects classroom learning to real- This improved preparation (including additional
world business and community projects through hands-on work with tools, plan reading, and
career-based “strands.” The Skilled Building measurement skills) will elevate both student
Trades strand prepares students for in-demand confidence and construction quality.
careers while addressing the county’s housing What Students Learn
shortage.
The Skilled Building Trades strand
A Program Built on Purpose exposes students to materials, tools, machines,
The Home Construction Cooperative began and processes used in light construction.
in the 2023–2024 school year when students Using a problem-based, hands-on approach,
renovated a dilapidated house donated by an students apply algebra, geometry, and trigo-
area hospital to the Green County Development nometry to real construction challenges. The
Corporation (GCDC). GCDC then raised more curriculum includes foundational math, con-
than $120,000 from local businesses and non- struction technology, carpentry, and units
profits to cover the costs of renovation materials. aligned with plumbing and electrical basics,
Skilled Building Trades students completely along with the core LAUNCH collaborative
gutted and renovated the home. The home was classroom experience.
then sold by GCDC, with proceeds reinvested Students learn to operate industry-standard
into the program to fund future builds. tools and equipment, including circular saws,
That first year proved the concept. In year miter saws, nail guns, drills, levels, layout tools,
two, students got the opportunity to build a new and various hand tools essential to carpentry and
home from the ground up. Now in year three, finishing work.
due to increased student interest and partici- In addition to hard skills, students gain
pation from students from other area schools, important durable skills such as teamwork, lead-
another session of the class was added, provid- ership, project management, problem-solving,
ing a morning crew and an afternoon crew. This critical thinking, professional responsibility, and
year the home was purchased before construc- work ethic
tion was complete, so students are working Real-World Impact
directly with the buyer to personalize finishes Green County faces a projected need for
and manage changes throughout the build. 2,578 additional housing units by 2030. At
Students also were able to learn how change the same time, local construction businesses
orders happen, how adjustments are managed,