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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) — A new partnership from Broome-Tioga BOCES and the Broome County Land Bank is helping teach students new skills, all while giving back to the community.
Throughout the last school year, more than 60 students from Broome-Tioga BOCES’ carpentry, electrical and building trades have been working to build two tiny homes.
The 480 square foot structures are meant to tackle housing affordability issues and revitalize neighborhoods, all while helping expand the skills of future trades professionals.
“I’m hoping to build a foundation with them that gets their feet on the ground, teach them a good trade,” said Carpentry Teacher at Broome-Tioga BOCES Tim Matthews. “They’re going to be able to go out when they graduate and get a full-time position and have a great career in the construction trade.”
The students are taking full advantage of the opportunity given to them, from framing both buildings to working on the interior, they’re not just building the structures, but the bond they have with the community.
“I really appreciate them teaching us how to build and put stuff together,” said Senior at Broome-Tioga BOCES Cayden Mills. “I appreciate having the opportunity to build single homes for people in need.”
“The opportunity that I get to help the community out is an honor to me,” ADDED Junior at Broome-Tioga BOCES Aaron Vantyl. “I get to help people in need in my community that I grew up in.”