Rocky View Schools Building Futures program continues to offer a unique learning opportunity for grade 10 students.

The award winning program has been running in Cochrane for three years and encompasses students from Bow Valley High, Cochrane High, and Springbank Community High.

Two students, Sam Frasier and Lewis Wharmby gave me a behind the scenes tour of the two houses they have built from the ground up. While the hands on program may not be for all students, it does have the impact to show them that learning comes in a variety of experiences.

Matt Chomistek, one of the Building Futures teachers says the program is so powerful that he would love to see it packed to the brim."What I really appreciated was getting to know these students, I get to know what really motivates them, where they want to go, where they are coming from, what have been some of their frustrations with school, and what has been some of their successes, and really try to address those frustrations and build on those successes."

Chomistek shares with this being his first year teaching the program, it has opened his eyes to classroom culture, leadership, and providing a safe and supported learning environment.

Applications for next year's program are available and Chomistek encourages families who are interested in joining to get in touch for more information and a tour. He is looking forward to not only building two more homes but building up student confidence and encouraging community engagement.

"If we can have our students become those beacons of support that is what I would really like to improve upon; to teach the students how to be active and how to be engaged in their community."

For this program to be as successful as it is, Chomistek, shares it needs great partnerships like those between Kingsmith Homes and Rocky View Schools."The support from both of those organizations has been tremendous. I am very grateful; it has made my teaching practice that much better and made this such a special experience."

 A grand unveiling of the homes is planned for May 25 between 5 to 8 pm.