In Osceola, students at Clarke Community School District are turning classroom learning into real-world impact as they help construct a home for the community. The experience blends hands-on training with skills that prepare them for life after graduation.
The Clarke and Southwestern Community College Construction Trades program has quickly become one of the most impactful educational partnerships, allowing students to gain real-world experience while helping address workforce and housing needs in the Osceola community.
At the heart of the program’s success is a strong partnership with the City of Osceola, whose continued support has helped transform the program from an idea into a community-changing initiative. Each year, the City partners with Clarke Community Schools by donating a residential lot and financially supporting the construction project. That investment gives students an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience building a home from the ground up while also helping address the community’s growing housing needs.
This spring, the program received statewide recognition when instructor Mike White was awarded the 2026-2027 STEM BEST Program Award through the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. The award recognizes innovative programs that connect classroom learning with meaningful career experiences.
Students begin exploring industrial technology and construction concepts as early as middle school before advancing into hands-on building experiences during high school. Juniors and seniors enrolled in the Construction Trades program spend several hours each school day working on a student-built home while also earning college credit through Southwestern Community College. Along the way, they gain hands-on experience across all areas of construction, from framing to finishes, along with safety, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills that apply to any career path.
The Construction Trades program also demonstrates the power of community partnerships. Local contractors assist with specialized trades such as HVAC and plumbing, while SWCC electrical students help wire the home.
Community excitement surrounding the project continues to grow each year. In May, more than 90 community members attended the Construction Trades Open House to tour this year’s student-built home and visit with students about their experiences in the program. Visitors walked through the finished spaces, admired the craftsmanship, and saw firsthand the pride students take in their work. This year’s ranch-style home at 201 W Garfield St. features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and room for future expansion in the basement.
For many students, one of the most rewarding parts of the experience is simple: driving through town and seeing the homes they helped build. Those houses represent more than lumber and drywall; they represent opportunity, community investment, and a shared commitment to the future.
Thanks to the partnership between Clarke Community Schools, Southwestern Community College, local businesses, and especially the City of Osceola, students are not only building homes- they are building futures right here in Osceola.