Students at the Construction Careers Academy are building a house for a veteran, learning vital skills and fostering community bonds in a transformative project.
SAN ANTONIO — A group of Northside ISD high school students are building more than just a house; they are building a future. Students enrolled at Construction Careers Academy are building an entire home that will be donated to a local veteran as part of a project called Home for a Hero.
At the construction site, the sounds of saws and drills can be heard as the students assemble each piece. Precision is key, and students say age has not limited their ability to take on the challenge.
“Age doesn’t make us less capable than anyone,” said student Gavin Villanueva.
From the ground up, the students have handled nearly every aspect of the build. What began as a trailer has transformed into a more than 900-square-foot home featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a loft, a full kitchen and a living room.
“When we got it, it was just the trailer,” said student Jackson Ollendieck. “We had to take the trailer, put metal sheeting over the top, insulation on that, build a whole subfloor, put the subfloor on, build the walls, then put all the walls up.”
The project began in late 2023.
Construction management teacher Jason Paul said it is one of their biggest projects yet, and progress has been impressive.
“This is the fastest I have ever seen one get done,” Paul said. “The work that they are doing is amazing.”
Students said they try to work on the house daily to stay on schedule. Along the way, the project has helped strengthen teamwork and friendships.
Northside ISD students build home for veteran
“I think we are doing something great, and it feels amazing to be a part of that,” Villanueva said. “We are a great team. We have grown very close together.”
The project is funded with help from community partners and is fully permitted by the city. Once complete, the home will be donated to a local veteran, though the recipient has not yet been selected.
“It means a lot to me that I can build a home,” Ollendieck said. “It’s big, but small in comparison to what they did for us.”
Beyond the finished house, students say the program is shaping their futures. Many entered the academy with little to no construction experience and are now using their skills at home, helping their families save money.
“It helps us build both in our personal lives and academic lives,” Ollendieck said. “You learn a lot of good life lessons.”
The students expect to complete the home in May. School officials are currently working with an organization to identify the veteran who will receive it.
“I hope they love it,” Villanueva said. “We have put in a lot of hard work in to it.”