In partnership with Red Oak Community School District and the Red Oak community, Southwestern re-established the carpentry and building trades Career Academy program during the fall 2024 semester. Students from Red Oak enrolled in the 15-credit Career Academy earning both college and high school credit. The Career Academy enrolled six high school students who are building a 1,400 sq. ft. home in Red Oak (shown above).
The program provides a simulated work experience in alignment with the construction industry, engaging students with building product suppliers, building inspectors, homeowners, and sub-contractors. Students also earn their OSHA 10-hour construction certification.
The sequence of SWCC's current first-year Career Academy coursework culminates in students earning 15 college credits and a college certificate. An additional 15 credits can be earned during year two of the Career Academy. The certificate can be stacked and earned credits can be applied to the carpentry and building trades diploma and Associate of Applied Science degree.
In addition to Red Oak, Southwestern hosts the carpentry and building trades Career Academy at the Creston campus, Clarke High School, and Central Decatur High School with 45 students enrolled for the 2024-25 academic year. The Red Oak program already has plans for future building projects in Montgomery County and encourages high school students from Red Oak and neighboring districts to consider enrolling for fall 2025!