Green Bay high school students build homes for the Bridges Construction & Renovation program, May 15, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — High school students in Green Bay are earning credit and gaining hands-on experience, while also making a difference for others.
It’s all part of the Green Bay Area Public School District’s Bridges Construction & Renovation program.
On Wednesday, the juniors and seniors from East, Preble and West High Schools who participated in this year’s program got a chance to celebrate their accomplishments. Students toured the two homes on Day Street they worked throughout the school year to build, side-by-side, from the ground up.
The one-year program, which works in partnership with NeighborWorks Green Bay, allows students to earn high school and/or college credit as they immerse themselves in the construction industry.
Experience gained in the program gives students an edge in their educational and employment aspirations in areas such as architecture, construction, engineering and the military.
“As a public school district, we are tasked with educating students so that they can leave high school college, career and community ready, and I think this program is the perfect example of our commitment to that,” said GBAPS Interim Superintendent Vicki Bayer.
“To accomplish that task, it means we have to value that students have a wide range of talents and interests and passions, and we need to have programs like Bridges to help our students find their path after high school.”
Officials say along with the skills the program teachers, it also offers students an opportunity to make a positive impact on their community by building safe, affordable housing.
Next year’s program includes students enrolled at East, Preble Southwest and West high schools. Another two homes will be built — one on the corner of Irwin Avenue and Walnut Street on Green Bay’s east side, and another along North Broadway on the city’s west side.
To learn more about the program, click here.
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