Summit High School Tiny Home Project: Building Futures from the Ground Up
Nestled in the heart of Colorado, Summit High School is home to a unique program that equips students with real-world skills, one nail at a time. The school’s construction program, a proud part of Careers In Construction Colorado (CICC), has earned national recognition for its innovative approach to education and community impact—and one project, in particular, stands out: the Summit Tiny Home Project.
A Program Worthy of Recognition
At the helm of this program is Oakley Van Oss, an instructor who recently received the prestigious Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Award. Selected from over 900 applicants, Oakley placed in the top 25 nationwide, earning $50,000 for his construction program. His dedication to making the class accessible to all students, including offering lessons in both English and Spanish, is just one of the many reasons his program shines. Under his leadership, the tiny home project has become a hallmark of what hands-on education can achieve.
Building More Than Just Homes
The Summit Tiny Home Project reached a monumental milestone at the end of the 2023-2024 school year when students completed their 288-square-foot tiny home. This achievement is a testament to the students’ hard work and determination to start and finish this project within one year. Throughout the year, students worked almost one-on-one with industry professionals during school, gaining hands-on experience in framing, electrical work, plumbing, and more.
One fantastic aspect of this project was the solidification of relationships between the school and the building community in Summit County. With over 1,600 volunteer hours and a long list of material donations, the project became the glue between education and industry. Sponsored by the Summit County Builders Association, a chapter of Careers In Construction, the project was supported every step of the way through member involvement. These relationships didn’t end when the tiny home was finished; students were hired by these volunteers to work over the summer and into the next school year.
Real-World Impact
The Summit Tiny Home Project is more than just a classroom exercise—it’s a real-world endeavor that prepares students for careers in the construction industry. The relationships fostered through this program exemplify how collaboration between education and industry can lead to incredible outcomes.
By bridging the gap between education and employment, programs like this provide students with tangible career pathways while addressing the critical workforce needs of the construction sector. Relationships are the foundation of a successful program, and Summit High School’s construction program demonstrates how these connections can transform both education and industry.
With Oakley Van Oss leading the charge, Summit High School’s tiny home project continues to inspire, educate, and build futures—one home at a time.
