A hammer, nails and screwdriver hang from Sha Kyaw Klow Thoo’s tool belt. An electric saw buzzes as he walks toward the house he’s building with other Omaha Public Schools students.

“Building a house at 18 makes me feel good,” said Sha Kyaw Klow Thoo, Benson High senior. “It makes me feel like I’m preparing for the future.”

The job site includes student builders from Benson High, Bryan High and the Omaha Public Schools Career Center. They are working alongside industry experts from Blair Freeman Group, an Omaha construction company, to build the brand-new house.

“Every vendor they bring into the project is willing to take time with our students to teach them and show them how to build a house,” said Toba Cohen-Dunning, Omaha Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) executive director. “What an incredible moment in time to be able to have our kids work with professionals in the field to help guide their future.”

OPSF purchased the land for the build and funded the supplies. As the project progressed, OPSF received in-kind donations like roofing materials and windows. The collaboration between OPSF, Blair Freeman and Omaha Public Schools bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience.

“It's a real community project that's going to have an outstanding outcome,” said Cohen-Dunning. “We are a proud partner who works to enrich the lives of every student.”

Sophomores in the design and construction academy learn the basics of construction, then move on to more advanced work, like building sheds or small buildings.

“Students have to have the fundamental skills and the understanding of what they’re getting into,” said Angela Johanek, Benson High career academy specialist. “The students understand the value of what they're doing in class will get them to the next step of where they see themselves and where they want to be.”

This group of students will complete the house from start to finish during the school year. Darian Stepanek, a Benson High senior, says he’s grateful for the experience. 

“It means a lot to me,” said Stepanek. “Whenever I’m using tools, it feels natural and like something I’m supposed to do.”

Students will not only be framing and finishing the house but also working on interior projects like electrical and plumbing.

“I think if people see what we're doing out here, it might inspire them and all the kids to want to do what we're doing,” said Sha Kyaw Klow Thoo.

Construction is expected to be done by May, and plans include selling the home to someone in the Omaha Public Schools community.

February 2025

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