High School House Program

For almost a decade, Rocky Mountain Development Council’s Housing & Community Development Program has teamed up with Helena School District #1 in an annual High School House project.

For this project, RMDC purchases a building lot, contracts with an architect for a design, and purchases materials. The School District hires an instructor to oversee students from both Helena and Capital High Schools as they construct a house from start to finish.  Many local construction businesses contribute to the project’s success and viability through donated instruction, reduced materials costs, and outright gifts. Sale of each completed home launches the next year’s project.

Students learn all phases of construction from the foundation, to framing, to dry walling, to wiring, to building cabinets for the 3-bedroom, double-car garage residence. Students from interior design, photography, and first-year drafting and carpentry classes contribute as well. The hands-on, real life experience provides students with a full understanding of the building trades and, if they are interested it, a leg up in seeking employment in that field.

For additional information, call (406) 442-1236.