At Fine Homebuilding we believe that for too long true craftsmanship in America has gone unrecognized and underappreciated. It’s why we’ve established the #KeepCraftAlive scholarship in partnership with SkillsUSA. Through these scholarships, which we’ve awarded for the past three years—and through our collective efforts of the KeepCraftAlive program—we aim to ignite a passion for the trades and to support those who will carry on a legacy of craftsmanship in home building. This is important work, and Fine Homebuilding is committed to doing all that it can to celebrate those who are passionate about building the best homes possible, in the best way possible. Of the 24 students who will be receiving one of our 2019 KeepCraftAlive scholarships to support their continued training and education, four of them will be training in the general category of construction technology and management. We’ve proud to feature them here. If you’d like to show your support for KeepCraftAlive and for those who are passionate about pursuing careers in building, please consider making a direct donate to our scholarship fund with SkillsUSA, here.
Interest Area: Construction Technology
School: Navajo Technical University
Hometown: Crownpoint, New Mexico
“Growing up on an American Indian reservation I grew up knowing that our living qualities were low and we had to work hard for any advancement we wanted to see. Once I achieve my degree I will go back and begin helping create a better quality of living on the reservation in whichever way I possibly can. This is what craft means to me. It means using the knowledge and skill acquired to give back.”
Interest Area: Construction Management
School: Rowan Cabarrus Community College
Hometown: Cleveland, North Carolina
“Every day I go to West Rowan High School to help with the masonry program. I love getting to help students and see them take interest in something that is near and dear to my heart. I get to see the students grow and ignite a spark in them for the industry…I wholeheartedly believe I have found my true calling.”
Interest Area: Construction Technology
School: Sheridan College
Hometown: Sheridan, Wyoming
“To me, carpentry is about the continuation of the old ways in present times. I enjoy working on something that I will complete from start to finish. Looking at the complete project afterward gives me a sense of accomplishment that a person can’t get in most other fields… The skills I’ve learned will help me in life when I become a carpenter. They will allow me to make a living doing something I enjoy.”
Interest Area: Construction
School: Heyward Career Center
Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
“I have autism which makes socialization difficult for me. SKILLS USA has allowed me the opportunity to overcome my social anxiety fears. I am now taking a regular education construction course where I will earn Industry certification…I have been able to participate in two paid student internships in constructions during the summer. I have been accepted to participate in other more advanced student internship this summer which will focus more on woodworking, which is my passion.”
