Tiny homes is a catchy name for a new trend in affordable and sustainable housing. Several schools in Eastern Kentucky are capturing the momentum of this trend, using tiny house construction as a way to teach students a variety of subjects, most of which are focused on vocational training.
The “Build it Forward” project, sponsored by Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative (KVEC), is currently in its fourth year. Each year, vocational schools are invited to apply to build one tiny house. At the end of the year, the tiny house is auctioned off, and the proceeds help maintain a sustainable program at that school.
Students gain skills in carpentry, electricity, HVAC, design and build-cost analysis, teamwork, marketing and communication throughout construction.
Dessie Bowling, KVEC associate director, explained that the project had unintended positive outcomes beyond students learning trade skills. Students learned how to be productive team members, communication and problem-solving skills, and there were higher attendance rates in the Area Technology Center classes.
“We know that not every student will go on to a four-year college. College is not for everybody; and, that’s okay. Our goal is for all students to be engaged in learning and graduate with skills to be successful post-secondary,” Bowling said.
“We found that students who may not be able to understand a math concept on paper, when they are designing a floor or building trusses and cutting angles, they understand that math concept. It’s important for kids who learn differently to have another avenue to learn those skills.”
Of the six tiny homes sold in 2019, one house is now located in Pismo Beach, California, one is in Pennsylvania and two others are in Maryland. The Harlan County Fiscal Court bought three to be used as transitional housing for individuals in their addiction recovery.
Two students from the 2019 program are working to start their own business.
“This is also an economic development project showing that education can be a lever to stimulate the economy,” Bowling said.
Students are encouraged to document their work throughout the year. Virtual tours are also put together before the auction so potential buyers can learn more about the homes.
The tiny house project is designed to be on-going and sustainable. Every year after the auction is complete, each school receives $15,000 plus 80 percent of the dollar amount above the final auction bid to build a new house in the next school year. This year’s houses will go up for auction in June. Information about the project can be found on KVEC’s digital platform www.theholler.org.
KVEC is one of eight education cooperatives in Kentucky consisting of 23 member school districts, and serving more than 50,000 students and 3,000 educators.
In Eastern Kentucky, and across the nation, there is an increasing demand for skilled workers in various trade professions such as carpenters, electricians, and more. Build It Forward is an example of Eastern Kentuckians working together to fill a need in the community and to build an Appalachia’s New Day that is more empowering of all people.
About: This is story #48 in the Appalachia’s New Day campaign, a new storytelling effort launched in June 2019 by MACED for Eastern Kentucky communities. We can work with you to help identify, shape and amplify stories about businesses, programs and initiatives in your community that are helping build a new economy. Read more stories here. Contact us or sign up here if you would like more details.
