By WVUA 23 News Reporter A’Leeyah Ponder

A Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa home under construction is getting some extra special help from local high school students learning about construction-related fields.  

Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy students are helping Habitat build its latest home off Ash Street. This partnership offers high school students hands-on experience applying the carpentry and electrical skills they’ve learned in class.  

“It’s cool to come out here and show what we’ve learned at TCTA and do some volunteer work,” said TCTA and Northridge High School student Fletcher Boatright.  

TCTA students are volunteering alongside pastors, politicians and retired Alabamians who volunteer with Habitat, and said they’re having a blast and enjoying the experience.  

“I started taking carpentry when I was in the ninth grade,” said TCTA and Paul W. Bryant High School student Gerald Crummie. “Mr. Renfroe taught us a lot about using tools, measuring, putting in floors, installing stuff. It’s really fun. It’s something different.”

TCTA carpentry teacher Brian Renfroe, who brought the students to the Habitat for Humanity home, said TCTA is all about putting students in the best position to succeed academically and in their future careers.  

“They take our courses and we try to get them ready for college or a career. If I can get a student ready for college or career to go to work, then I’ve succeeded at what I’ve been hired to do,” said Renfroe.  

This partnership with Habitat for Humanity is intended to provide student volunteers with a look at what their futures can be.  

“Maybe they weren’t that excited about becoming an electrician or a carpenter or something, but they get out and they start building a house and they’re like, wow, I really love this. This is something I can do as a career,” said Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa Executive Director Ellen Potts. 

The home is expected to be finished near the end of April.

Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa is always looking for volunteers and financial support. You can learn more by clicking here.

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