BACKGROUND
How did this come together? Due to a successful relationship with the High School Initiative Office, the California Department of Education awarded WHS a California Partnership Academy grant to establish a Building and Construction Trade Academy. In 2019, planning began for the BUILD Academy. Courses were written, went before the school site council for approval and before the WUSD School Board for final approval and permission to move forward with the planned courses. A course description was been placed in the student course catalog for classes beginning in early 2021. A large classroom has been designated along with a secure high walled outdoor courtyard for the students to build their sets, their projects, and their products.
There is strong industry support from the Construction and Trade industries all over Sonoma County. Working with industry to bring the best educational experience possible to the students of Windsor Unified School District.
TIMELINE
- May 2019: Received CPA Grant from California Department of Education for BUILD Academy
- August 2019: Collaboration begins with staff and School Board
- Fall 2020: Teacher hired, classroom supplied, course descriptions written, branding
- October 10, 2020: Groundbreaking ceremony for Storage Container. Services provided by Dr. Lamar Collings (Windsor High School Principal), Rich Carnation (WUSD Board Member), Dominic Foppoli (Mayor of Windsor), and Bill Bolster (President of Rotary Club of Windsor).
- October 2020: Storage Container for Tools and Equipment delivered. Container was donated by Rotary Club of Windsor. Aggregate used to fill under the container was donated by The Bodean Company.
- December 1, 2020: BUILD Advisory Panel – first meeting
- January 2021: First students begin Introduction to Construction Technology (Distance Learning). Tools and equipment begin to arrive in early January.
HOW IS THE COMMUNITY AFFECTED? HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS CORE?
Students completing the course of study in BUILD Academy will have the requisite skills to enter the workforce as skilled craftsmen. This core focus provides students with an alternative to the normal academic track and will benefit the community by providing youth with marketable skills. The program is designed to also have community members and local businesses work with prospective students and function as mentors. BUILD Academy is supported by the North Coast Business Exchange.