Building Futures is an immersive and innovative program for grade 10 students of Bow Valley High School to learn how to build a house from the of ground up while contributing to their community.

Students learn their core courses from teachers in repurposed garages while building homes with qualified tradespeople. Students thrive in the program’s individualized instruction while pursuing their passions.

Dave Pederson, one of the instructors says. "Here students actually learn some hands-on skills and get some exposure to working with tools and it really helps them in the long run."

By the end of the year, with the help and instruction of qualified tradespeople, the students contribute to the building of a complete house while learning how to contribute to their community.

"We get all kinds. We have a group of students that want to try the trades and they get to try out every trade that goes into building a house."

This program is open to all learners, but the type of student who does best in this program is one who is self-directed, isn’t afraid to take risks, can think outside of the box, and wants to experience school differently for a year. Whether they are interested in home building or just want to try something new.

Grayson Sanford, a grade 10 student and participant in the program says " I'm interested in a career in the trades, something woodworking,  maybe carpentry or framing. I've always been a hands-on learner."