%2520(1)_e.png){kind=small}
%20(2)_PNG.png)
.jpg)
History of
Builders of the Future
#1
Hands on
Building Projects for High School Students
#2
Field Trips
to Home Building Job Sites
#3
Vocational
Building Trades Scholarships
#4
Internships
and
Full Time Jobs
History of Builders of the Future
1993
Program was referred as The Playhouse Project (27 yrs ago)
The program was administered through the Metro Omaha Home Builders Association (MOBA).
● The program was started by Co-Founders: Steve Skidmore & Ted Grace.
● Builders provided a playhouse and the sales and proceeds were allocated towards scholarships.
● MOBA members provided materials for the playhouses.
1995
Name changed to Builders of the Future.
● Provided funding for materials, suppliers provided windows, siding, house wrap, and shingles.
● Each school is sponsored by a mentor.
● The mentor provides field trips to newly constructed homes.
● The mentor and sponsor also provide expert presentations for class room discussion.
● 5 to 9 High Schools participated.
● The Industrial Technology teachers and students were given size and height restrictions, and a
dead-line for project completion.
● The finished product was graded for workmanship, design, utility and team work effort.
Awards were presented for outstanding work.
● Playhouses were put on display at the West Roads and Oak View Mall and Street of Dreams.
2001
In October The Builders Foundation was formed as a non-profit 501(c)3 for purposes of funding scholarships and funding for Builders of the Future; independent of MOBA.
Board members for Builders of the Future were also active MOBA builders and associates.
2002
The Builder Foundation broadened its mission to develop and build affordable housing through tax credit financing.
2004
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (N.I.F.A.) endorsed the Southern Valley Townhome project located at 17th and “Q” Street; which is a 48-unit townhome community. Construction started in 2009 and was completed in 2010.
2007
to
2014
Due to the banking and financial crisis in 2007 and 2008 The Builders Of The Future program was discontinued until 2015. It took home builders several years to overcome the effects from the banking and financial crisis.
2015
2016
Funds received from building Southern Valley Town Homes project allowed the sponsorship to pay tuition for 13 students enrolled in dual enrollment courses.
● Builders Of The Future was restarted with 12 schools and finish the year with 15 schools.
● Funding was provided to pay a Program Facilitator, who is a Retired Industrial Technology Teacher
who works in a supportive role with the teachers and students.
● The Program Facilitator also coordinates with the mentors, partnerships with MOBA, Metro Community College and Avenue Scholars.
2016
2017
Builders Of The Future expands to 18 schools.
● Funds received from building Southern Valley Town Homes project allowed the sponsorship to pay tuition for 13 students enrolled in dual enrollment courses.
2017
2018
Builders Of The Future expands to 22 schools.
● 13 dedicated committee members
● Partner with Avenue Scholars
● John Brockhaus of D.C. West High School presented - Impact Award
2018
2019
Builders Of The Future expands to 26 schools and approximately 400 industrial technology students.
● 14 dedicated committee members.
● Budget for 20 dual-enrollment students.
● Budget for 12 “Train the Trainers” program with MCC (Summer school for industrial technology teachers)
● 20 - $1,500 to $2,000 scholarships provided by MCC to qualified students.
● $8,000 scholarships to selected industrial technology students provided by Avenue Scholars.
● Jason Novotny of Gretna High School presented - Impact Award
2019
2020
Builders Of The Future expands 30 schools and approximately 450 industrial technology students.
Many high schools were building a project when the covid-19 virus hit the United States. The shutdown of all the schools in Nebraska, stopped many of our programs from completing their project. Some our new schools from even start the spring project..
● 16 dedicated committee members.
● Budget for 20 dual-enrollment students.
● Budget for 12 “Train the Trainers” program with MCC (Summer school for industrial technology teachers)
● 20 - $1,500 to $2,000 scholarships provided by MCC to qualified students.
● $8,000 scholarships to selected industrial technology students provided by Avenue Scholars.
● Partner with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha
2020
2021
Some of schools have completed the projects from last year
Builders Of The Future expands to 33 schools approximately 500 industrial technology students.
● Expands by request to Northeast Nebraska adding Norfolk , Pierce and Battle Creek
● 18 dedicated committee members.
● Budget for 20 dual-enrollment students.
● The 1st class of “Train the Trainers” is taken by 12 local Industrial Technology teachers
(with masks on) :)
● Budget for next year “Train the Trainers” program with MCC
● 20 - $1,500 to $2,000 scholarships provided by MCC to qualified students.
● $8,000 scholarships to selected industrial technology students provided by Avenue Scholars.
● Partner with ACE Mentor program
● Taylor Made Home Solutions is new material suppliers to Builders of The Future program
● DC West High School Finish a house build on school grounds and had appr. 900 sq ft house moved to a lot in Elkhorn on May 19th 2021 (Finish house built by students in metro area in over 20 years )
John Brockhaus Instructor
2021
2022
2022
2023
Builders Of The Future expands to 36 schools approximately 550 industrial technology students.
● Expands by request to Northeast Nebraska adding Wakefield, Wisner -Pilger , West Point - Beemer
● 18 dedicated committee members.
● Budget for 20 dual-enrollment students.
● The 2nd class of “Train the Trainers” is taken by 12 local Industrial Technology teachers
● Budget for next year “Train the Trainers” program with Metro Community College
and Northeast Community College
● 20 - $1,500 to $2,000 scholarships provided by MCC to qualified students.
● $8,000 scholarships to selected industrial technology students provided by Avenue Scholars.
● Funded four $2,500 scholarships for Skilled and Technical Science teachers (Industrial Technology)
at Wayne State College
Builders Of The Future expands to 39 schools approximately 800 industrial technology students.
● Expands by request to Northeast Nebraska adding Bancroft and Stanton.
● Expands by two in Iowa with Treynor and Woodbine join our schools.
● 21 dedicated committee members.
● Budget for 20 dual-enrollment students.
● The 3rd class of “Train the Trainers” 9 Industrial Technology teachers particpated in the metro area.
● The 1st class of “Train the Trainers” 5 Industrial Technology teachers particpated in the Norfolk area.
● Budget for next year “Train the Trainers” program with Metro Community College
and Northeast Community College
● 20 - $1,500 to $2,000 scholarships provided by MCC to qualified students.
● $8,000 scholarships to selected industrial technology students provided by Avenue Scholars.
● Funded four $2,500 scholarships for Skilled and Technical Science teachers (Industrial Technology)
at Wayne State College
The success of this program is attributed to our dedicated Committee Members, Teachers that promote the industrial technology trades, Builder’s and Mentors who are willing to give their time and resources.
Suppliers and Contractors who provide materials and services to accommodate the Schools and the Teachers.
Our Program Facilitator who diligently works with the teachers and communicates with the students.
We are thankful for the funding we have received from our sponsors and partnerships with other non-profits who support our mission.
All proceeds from the sale of the playhouses/projects are used to provide tools for classrooms, students taking college courses who need tools, dual enrollment courses and scholarships.