[VIDEO] Workers Advise Students While Building New School

Oct. 29, 2020

A construction project Fresno, California, provides unique learning opportunities for Fresno Unified students of all ages, ABC 30 reports. Thanks to a labor agreement with the soon-to-be built Juan Felipe Herrera Elementary School, district high school students will learn construction skills from the companies involved and gain jobs in the industry. 

According to the article, construction companies building the school will advise current students enrolled in construction related programs around career training. 

"They have to come and in an essence act as a counselor," said Jeremy Ward, FUSD Executive Officer of College and Career Readiness.

If students complete necessary requirements, it will also give them a “fast pass” to a career in construction. Companies are also required to employ a percentage of Fresno Unified graduates.

"Kids are going to get counseling, they're going to be able to bypass some of the training time and they're also going to be able to receive scholarships," Ward told ABC 30.

According to News Break, Fresno Unified trustees gave the go ahead this week to a $37.6 million construction bid for the new school. It will provide a “much-needed” learning site for students in southeast Fresno, and is expected to open in Fall 2022.

Source: ABC 30 & News Break