Students from Umatilla High School received real-world exposure and learned trade skills as part of the Columbia Basin Student Home Builder Program (CBSHBP).
Umatilla High School seniors Oscar Haro and Peyton Childers took part in an exciting program this year called the Columbia Basin Student Home Builder Program. This program is unique in that it is offered as a regular high school class where students from Hermiston, Umatilla, and Stanfield work together to construct a house from the ground up, learning hands-on in the process.
At the start of every school year, students begin with just a plot of land and work throughout the entire year to build a fully custom high-quality home. Students spend two class periods a day at the job site and are equipped with their tool belts and helmets to work on new tasks. Students are actively involved in every step of the process, from setting the foundation to framing to interior and exterior finishes. Program Coordinator Curt Berger said, "Students do as much as they can because we teach them as much as we can."
When building the house, they only contract for things like plumbing and electrical work– students are responsible for everything else. This allows them to explore different trades and learn valuable skills. Peyton Childers said, "It's a good experience for students to be out there. It's different from regular class."
Not only does the class teach students valuable skills, but it also helps them build connections and learn about different career opportunities. Senior Oscar Haro said he "Enjoyed seeing the step-by-step process of how it's like to build the house" and can see himself in the future working construction. Oscar's current plan after graduation is to study HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Engineering at Perry Tech and then become a house flipper/homeowner landlord.
An open house will be set sometime in June for the community to view the home and its custom-built features, including a central vacuum system and speakers throughout the house.
To learn more about the program, visit https://www.columbiabasinstudenthomes.org/.
*UPDATE* The open house will be on June 20th, 2023, from 1:00pm to 6:00pm.
