PASCO, Wash. – The Pasco School District has unveiled its latest ‘Team Pasco Home,’ a 2,000-square-foot custom-built house constructed with the help of over 50 students in the district’s construction trades program.
For the students involved, the project provides invaluable career experience. Alfredo Aguilar, a Pasco High School senior, expressed his enjoyment.
“I like to do the measurements and everything to cut the boards. It was pretty nice,” Aguilar said. “I’ve seen that there’s a lot of opportunities for different types of jobs. A lot of trades.”
The home features three bedrooms, a flex room, a covered patio, a laundry area and a two-car garage. The house is on the market for more than $520,000.
Students helped build the house while also learning trade skills from professionals.
Laura Jones, the Career and Technical Education Director for the district, highlighted the program’s long history.
“This is our 25th home. So we’re very excited that we’ve had a lot of longevity with this program,” Jones said. “But we couldn’t have that without our community support. So we actually have a board of directors that supports the program, as well as our wonderful partners in business that work alongside the students, help donate materials, cost of building the home and help mentor students through the building process.”
Jones said about 50 students from Chiawana High School and Pasco High School participate in the program. Next year, the district will look to add students from Sageview High School to the program as well.
According to the District, the program raises between $15,000 to $20,000 in scholarships for students.
Students like Autumn Held, a Pasco High School Junior, showcased their skills by building a table for auction, using techniques learned in woodshop and metalworking classes.
“We so that the center with black epoxy and use beautiful walnut wood,” Held said.
For Aguilar, the program offered a fun learning experience.
“Oh, it’s been great. It’s been very fun. Like, every single day. I was always excited to go to this class,” Aguilar said.
More information about the Career & Technical Education programs in the Pasco School District can be found here.
