Union High School receives $30,000 grant to fund tiny house construction project
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, August 29th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION – (Release from the Union School District) Union High School is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation. This generous grant will support the school’s innovative Geometry in Construction program by funding the construction of a tiny house during the 2024-2025 school year.
The Geometry in Construction program, launched during the 2021-2022 school year, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at combining rigorous college preparatory Geometry with hands-on construction experience. Led by Math Teacher Carol Wyatt and Career Technical Education (CTE) Teacher John Townsend, the program’s primary goal is to help students apply the mathematical concepts they learn in the classroom directly to real-world construction projects. Over the past three years, students have gained valuable skills and knowledge by working on a variety of projects, including framing the new shop and CTE buildings, building chicken coops, dog houses, and picnic tables.
With the new funding from the Wildhorse Foundation, Union High School is excited to take the Geometry in Construction program to the next level. For the 2024-2025 school year, students will be guided through the construction of a tiny house, a project that will encompass all stages of building, including framing, roofing, wiring, painting, drywall installation, plumbing, cabinet installation, managing costs, and marketing. The tiny house will be sold at the end of the school year, with proceeds funding the construction of another tiny house the following year. This approach will allow the program to become self-sustaining, providing ongoing opportunities for students to learn and grow.
Superintendent Carter Wells highlights the importance of this program within the Union High School curriculum, stating, “This program is an important part of our school as it focuses on real-world opportunities and skills for our students, preparing them for both college and careers.”
The Wildhorse Foundation will officially present the $30,000 check to the students on September 3rd, during their Geometry in Construction class. This event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing success of the program and demonstrates the community’s commitment to innovative education.
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