FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2025
Contact:
- Natasha Smith, Columbus City Schools (p): 380-997-6133 (m): (313)-283-4481 email: nsmith4@columbus.k12.oh.us
- Cynthia Rickman, City of Columbus; (614) 266-2146; email:cjrickman@columbus.gov
- Kate Ames, Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio (740-405-7877); email:kames@habitatmidohio.org
Building Leaders & Building Homes: CCS Students Learning Job Skills by Building with Habitat for Humanity and City of Columbus
Swinging hammers, raising walls and building for the future—Fort Hayes Career Center Construction Trades students will start the school year by doing something no class has done in more than three decades: constructing a home from the ground up. The student-built Leonard Avenue home will then go to a Columbus family thanks to a new partnership with Habitat for Humanity MidOhio and the City of Columbus.
"Growing up, I watched my mom struggle and not have much help. That sparked something in me, and I promised myself that one day, I would make a difference in the world someway, somehow,” said Fort Hayes student Amilleonna Golden. “The Habitat House project is making that dream come true. I’m thankful for Habitat for Humanity and my school for giving me this opportunity. I’m excited to be part of making a change not just in this family’s life, but in many more lives to come.”
This project is giving students real-world, hands-on experience in not only how a house comes together, but also the industry and regulations behind building homes. Helping students learn and find pathways to regionally important careers are important goals to Mayor Andrew Ginther, City Council President Shannon Hardin, Superintendent Angela Chapman and Habitat President and CEO Brandi AL-Issa, who will join students as they break ground for the new house on August 18, 2025 at 11 a.m. at 893 Old Leonard Avenue, near the schools’ campus.
“Partnerships are key to a sustainable future for Habitat-MidOhio, and this is a perfect example of one. This project fulfills the overlapping missions of the City, schools, and Habitat. It is a true win-win-win with families and students experiencing the ultimate outcome of opportunity. I am inspired by this project and excited for what can come next,” said Habitat President and CEO Brandi AL-Issa.
Last fall, Habitat joined the City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services and Fort Hayes partnership to provide students with this hands-on homebuilding and construction experience. What began in 2023 as a summer internship program, the partnership has grown to include interactive career and shadow days, internships, mentorships, and an apprenticeship for students to consider becoming building inspectors. The work-based learning experience will introduce students to Habitat and its efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and to increase affordable homeownership opportunities.
“Our region needs 200,000 new homes to address our housing shortage and the affordability challenges it’s causing,” said Mayor Ginther. “In Columbus we’re investing in housing that the market doesn’t provide, and I see this effort as a great example of the kinds of ingenious and innovative answers we must provide. We want people to live in neighborhoods of their choice, and I’m proud to see Columbus City School students want to help reach that goal.”
Habitat for Humanity worked with a local family to get them ready to purchase the 1,456 square foot home when it is completed. The house will be built exclusively by students and Habitat contractors. Students are learning to become electricians, HVAC techs, construction workers and other skilled tradespersons. Construction is expected take about seven months as Habitat will work around the schools’ academic calendar.
"The groundbreaking of our first student-built Habitat for Humanity home is a proud moment for Columbus City Schools and a transformative one for our students," said Dr. Angela Chapman, Superintendent and CEO of Columbus City Schools. "We are growing leaders right here with students learning skilled trades and applying those skills while building a home that will soon welcome a Columbus family. Hands-on experience will help students earning industry certifications and strengthen the entire neighborhood in ways they can see. This is what it means to be career-ready and community-minded. We couldn't be prouder!"
A second student-built Habitat house is planned for 2026, near the new house. Both houses are being constructed on City Land Bank lots. The two new homes will contribute to the on-going revitalization efforts in the eastside neighborhood.
“The City believes in our youth and when they get to build this house with their own hands, they are going to learn to believe in themselves,” said Shannon G. Hardin, City Council President. “This is just another way we are keeping our promise to local students – if you do your part and show up ready to learn, the community will stand with you and help you succeed.”
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