Terrific new housing opportunities for students, schools and communities

The following column originally appeared in April, 2026 in a number of APG of East Central Minnesota newspapers, including the Dakota County Tribune,  Press & News,  Sun Current,  Sun Post. Sun this Week,  Elk River Star News, Union Times,  APG of East Central Mn News,   MilleLacs Messenger,   Aitken Age,   Sun Sailor

 

Terrific new housing opportunity for students, schools and communities

 

It’s been called “a triple win.”

“It” is an opportunity for Minnesota public schools to apply for funds to create or expand programs where students build homes for low- and moderate-income Minnesotans. Minnesota has wonderful examples of students doing this. Several schools have already received state funds. A new request for proposals from the Minnesota Housing Agency now opens this to more district, alternative and charter public schools.

Elk River Area Public Schools, in cooperation with Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity, received one of the previous grants. Mike Zeman, principal at Elk River High School, told me the school will offer a house construction course led by Tim Hahn in fall 2026 and spring 2027.

“Previously, students built sheds. We’re very excited about this opportunity,” Zeman said.

District partner Chad Bouley, executive director of Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity, explained that they’re currently looking for a site to locate the house, after it’s built. “We welcome church, civic and business groups that would like to be involved,” he said.

This Minnesota Housing Agency program was originally proposed by high school students from around the state. Avery Messina, a student at Forest Lake’s Lakes International Language Academy, told me that she believes affordable housing is a top priority. “Growing up, I was the daughter of a small, family-owned local business. I saw the men my parents hired, those who struggled without homes, money or food. I learned that the things I considered basics, like a safe place to call home, were actually privileges.”

She and other students also cited statistics about the need for more affordable housing.

The Minnesota Housing Agency request for proposals is found here.

Here’s a link to a Monday, May 4, 3 p.m. free Zoom meeting where the RFP will be discussed.

Kayla Schuchman, assistant commissioner of Minnesota Housing, told me: “Developers across the state have been clear that building more homes also means building a stronger, skilled labor pipeline. The Housing Challenge Funds for Schools program supports affordable housing while investing in students who will help lead Minnesota’s housing industry for years to come.”

Other districts that have received grants from Minnesota Housing to carry out these programs include Bemidji Area Schools, Goodhue Public Schools, Kenyon-Wanamingo Schools, Lac-qui Parle Valley School District, and St. Peter Public Schools. In each case, the district had a community partner such as the local/regional Habitat for Humanity or Southwest Minnesota Housing Project.

Here’s a link to several case studies about home construction at rural, suburban and urban Minnesota public schools. tinyurl.com/5xubvp9w

For more than 20 years, the Anoka-Hennepin Public Schools STEP program has helped students build homes for less than $100,000 (excluding land costs). STEP cooperates with local technical and community colleges, so students earn free college credit. More details here.

Outside of a house that A-H students built

 

Here’s link to a 90-second video about a student-built home.

AH students working on a house

When the original grants were awarded, Jennifer Ho, commissioner of Minnesota Housing, said, “I’ve traveled across the state and heard firsthand from developers who are struggling to find skilled labor. These projects do more than create affordable homes, they build the workforce our communities need.”

This is a triple win because it creates more affordable homes, helps students develop strong marketable skills, and fills openings in good-paying jobs.

Joe Nathan taught U.S. history for more than 40 years. He founded and directed the Center for School Change. Reactions welcome, joe@centerforschoolchange.org.