Foundation invests in construction program

The Community Foundation is pleased to announce a five-year Impact Investment in partnership with the Huntington County Community School Corporation. Through this investment, the Foundation will collaborate with the Learning Center’s construction trades program in the purchasing, renovating and selling of one local home each school year.

“This collaboration is an exciting opportunity for the Huntington North construction trades program,” said Tiffanney Drummond, Huntington North Learning Center principal. “It’s a testament to the Community Foundation’s commitment to the education of our future workforce. Our former students are already working within the construction field and choosing to live and work in Huntington. We look forward to continuing to watch this program grow.”

Impact Investments allow the foundation to invest its funds in local projects that generate both financial return and measurable community benefit. The collaborative Impact Investment will support innovative student learning experiences while also revitalizing local housing. This meaningful initiative strengthens education and the workforce pipeline, will benefit the local housing market and offers a realistic financial return. The partnership was reviewed by the foundation’s Impact Investment committee and approved upon by both the Community Foundation and school corporation’s board of trustees.

The foundation will oversee the purchase and legal ownership of the house, while the school corporation will help identify properties that are a good fit for student learning and community impact. Students will then complete the bulk of the construction work with supervision including framing, drywall, electrical, flooring, painting and finishing work. All students will complete safety training (OSHA-10 or equivalent), and school staff will supervise all on-site work. While property purchasing and sales are currently managed by professionals, future program years may involve the students in these stages. Design and planning are also areas where student leadership could grow over time.

This initiative offers countless benefits for both local students and the overall community. Students will gain hands-on experience while developing job skills, safety certifications and confidence from working on a real home from start to finish. This process goes beyond the traditional classroom, exposing students to a range of career paths from skilled trades to project management and real estate development. This effort will also provide quality homes for local residents, increase nearby property values and revitalize neighborhoods.

The foundation will invest up to $150,000 over five years to fund the initial home purchases and renovations. The funding comes solely from the Community Foundation, not from property taxes or school corporation funds. After each home is sold, the foundation is repaid for its costs, plus interest, which allows the funds to be reinvested in future program years. This repayment model helps the construction program move towards financial independence and long-term sustainability.

“The foundation is looking forward to this partnership and the tangible impact it will have on our community,” said Matt Ditzler, Community Foundation executive director. “This initiative is a strong example of how the foundation can make strategic investments that create long-term value right here in Huntington County.”

The foundation and school corporation welcome community involvement, as local contractors, donors, neighbors and other partners could all play a role in supporting this initiative. Those interested in getting involved are encouraged to reach out to the foundation.