College Hill Seniors Build Microshelters for Unity Shelter

As Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month continues, we are proud to highlight a program where technical precision, hands-on craftsmanship, and social responsibility intersect. At College Hill, Senior construction students are spending their semester building microshelters, which are compact, dignified living spaces designed to provide safety and stability for individuals transitioning from homelessness.

Through a partnership with Unity Shelter, these students are gaining real-world experience that goes far beyond the classroom, proving that a career in the trades is one of service to others.The Science of the Build

Under the guidance of teacher Kevin Skillings, students have been diving deep into the technical nuances of professional framing and assembly. Key learning milestones include:

• Structural Integrity: Understanding the specific use of structural nails versus screws for load-bearing walls.
• Precision Placement: Learning the “slide-into-place” technique to ensure perfect orientation before securing materials.
• Advanced Framing: Mastering the function of “blocking”, the process of adding short pieces of lumber between studs to provide structural support and fire-stopping, and why staggering those blocks is essential for both strength and ease of installation.
• Critical Thinking: When working with foam insulation, students practiced “racking” the material rather than simply cutting it, a lesson in re-assessing a layout to find the most efficient, durable solution rather than the quickest one.

The “Human” Detail

While the technical skills are vital, the heart of this project lies in the “why.” Before heading out to the covered work area, the class discussed the importance of the person who will eventually call the microshelter home.

Mr. Skillings challenged students to see past the wood and screws. By focusing on the quality of their screw placement and the tightness of their seals, they are not just meeting a building code. They are ensuring that a future resident feels safe, dry, and valued.

Hands-On Learning

Following the classroom instruction, the students transitioned to the outdoor work area to bring the plans to life. Working together, they navigated the challenges of a live build: reviewing plans in real-time, troubleshooting alignment issues, and communicating to ensure every measurement was exact.

The result of this CTE program is not just a set of finished microshelters. It is a group of graduates who understand the value of hard work, the necessity of precision, and the power of building a stronger community for everyone.

Learn more about our CTE programs here: Career & Technical Education (CTE)