Celebrating the 37th Home Built by PGCS Students

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) celebrated the unveiling of the 2012 Student Built House on Friday with a dedication ceremony.

The dedication of the Student Built House is the culminating event for more than 1,000 students who are developing their career skills through the district’s Career and Technology Education (CTE) program. The Foundation for Applied Construction Technology for Students (FACTS) is a key partner in the Student Built House project.

“This project opens many doors for our students,” said Dr. William R. Hite, Superintendent of Schools. “It not only helps students develop highly-marketable skills, it enhances discipline and perseverance, which are critical for our students’ success in both college and careers.”

More than 100 students and guests took part in the dedication ceremony, including County Executive Rushern Baker, Board of Education Member and FACTS Board Member Donna Hathaway Beck and Superintendent of Schools Dr. William R. Hite. The ceremony honored the outstanding work of students and teachers in the carpentry, masonry, electrical, plumbing, drafting/CAD, HVAC, interior design, and computer networking programs. Businesses partners were also recognized for the key role they play in the success of the FACTS program.

Students in the interior design program decorated the rooms of the home through partnerships with Builders’ Design and Leasing, Inc. and JC Penney in the Mall at Prince Georges, which provided the use of furniture and accessories.

This year marks the 37th home that has been built since the inception of the program in 1981. This year’s house is the first one to be green-certified, based on standards from the Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, and also qualifies for the EPA Energy Star.

Sales from the project have generated more than $7 million and proceeds are used as seed monies for the following year’s house. Located at 8209 Student Drive in Clinton, the house will be offered for sale through Keller Williams Preferred Properties. 

With Ty, Destiny and Denashia! Destiny helped put the bricks on the building... and I was told she worked very hard at it! :)