From left: Skilled Trades Program Manager Michael with students Ani, Vyren, Keian and Moses, all standing in front of their almost completed tiny home they constructed over a few months time.
After constructing a first tiny house for SquareOne in the summer/fall of 2023, the students enrolled in the Skilled Trades program at Looking Glass Riverfront School & Career Center were eager to work on a 2nd project. SquareOne was thrilled with the quality craftsmanship done on the first project and have expressed interest in a longer term partnership. The students did not disappoint with their 2nd effort, completing their next tiny house project in early September of 2024. Funding for this program continues to be provided by Youth Development Oregon as well as many private donors and foundations.
Skilled Trades Program student, Ani, putting some finishing touches of paint inside the tiny home.
“This year the sleeping pod was constructed from the ground up with one hundred percent student effort,” said Skilled Trades Program Manager Michael Romano. “We were working with a longer timeline and a youth group with a bit more experience. I am extremely proud of the students. The final product looks great and it will stand the test of time.”
Some of the students enrolled in this program have gone on to pursue additional education and hands on experience in fields such as welding and carpentry. The skills these youth are learning will certainly help them find quality employment in related fields.
“I can t believe how much I didn’t realize I learned over the last year,” said Keian Ridgway, who was part of the team that worked on the first tiny house and was a team leader on the 2nd house project. “Consciously or unconsciously we’re always learning something and it’s crazy to me how things that I struggled with before are like second nature to me now.”
Riverfront Skilled Trades Program students working on the roof in the early stages of tiny house construction.