BUILDING HORIZONS

1994 - 2007 building

What started in 1994 as an experimental program has become one of the best examples of construction vocational education in the State of California. Building Horizons is a living model for community development, career training and employment for our youth and unemployed. Sponsored since its inception by the Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley, Building Horizons has never strayed from its roots as public sector - private industry collaboration. Local and regional governments, local school districts, county educational programs, local and regional businesses and associations, and private donors have all combined over the years to make each year a success.

Our primary goal is to teach our students "hands-on" home building skills to prepare them for employment in the construction industry after high school. Since its inception, nearly 500 students have completed the program - many of whom now work in local building industry jobs, or are pursuing advanced training in construction-related fields. A secondary goal has been to produce affordable housing, and over the years, 31 homes have been completed, and an opportunity for affordable homeownership has been extended to 31 low- and moderate-income families.

Commended by President Gerald R. Ford as an “innovative, community based solution to the problems of many at-risk youth.”