Area 1: Goals:

The CCTEC/AHOME partnership provides practical applications for abstract academics. A typical high school student often asks high school academic teachers: Why do I have to learn this? This partnership gives academic concepts a job. Student academic achievement typically improves once students have a concrete use for an academic concept. Providing a practical use for academic principles provides powerful support for core curriculum content student achievement.

Several core content standards are reinforced through this partnership. Math skills are used constantly during the project. Fractions and measuring are used in every trade area. Geometry, including the Pythagorean Theorem, is used to square corners, determine the length of roof rafters and electrical conduit. Algebraic formulas determine electrical load and heat gain/loss. Scientific concepts including heat transmission, hydraulics, conductivity, magnetism, physics and earth science are applied from foundation to roof. Applied technology, including smart house systems, high-efficiency HVAC systems and earth-friendly building products are a routine part of the project. Of course, Workplace Readiness is at the heart of this partnership. Employers want to hire skilled and experienced workers. This project helps develop the workers employers want.

Area 2: Activities:

About 150 high school and adult students construct a 1,200 square foot, three-bedroom, two-bath rancher that becomes the first home for a low-income family in Millville, NJ. Affordable Homes of Millville Ecumenical, Inc. (AHOME) purchases the house, pays moving and site preparation costs and then resells the home to a qualified, low-income family. CCTEC students invest about 18,000 man-hours to construct the building—from foundation to finish—over two school years.

Area 3: Outside Resources:

Cumberland County TEC and AHOME couldn’t do this program alone. County Government, through the Cumberland County Board of Chosen Freholders, provides support through public financing of our facility and employee salaries and benefits. Trade Unions provide expertise and hands-on instruction and assistance for our students. Trade Union members have also provided ‘days of service’ to assist students with complex processes and installation of high-tech equipment. Vendors provide materials and equipment at below-market prices and move the house from CCTEC to Millville. The City of Millville  assists with site approval and construction permitting. AHOME provides professional staff and volunteers to handle site plans, qualify homeowners, prepare the site, connect utilities and landscape the property.

Area 4: Evaluation:

This partnership is life-changing—for students, home purchasers and the community. Students get real-world skills and experience—plus a 1,200 square foot resume. Home purchasers receive a low-cost, energy-efficient home built to modern standards with unusual amenities. The community gets a new ratable and a stable, responsible family to maintain it.

Yet, the benefits don’t end there. Students typically perform better in academic programs once they enroll in a technical school. Giving academics a job typically results in better student performance in academic classes. Plus, student discipline, attendance and demeanor also improve due to workplace readiness skills being stressed throughout the construction process. The City of Millville has benefited from rehabbed housing stock, more than $650,000 in new ratables and an influx of stable, responsible families. AHOME has a dependable partner (CCTEC) who will produce custom, low-cost homes at a pace of one per year to ensure steady opportunity for low-income home buyers.

Area 5: Stability:

The Cumberland County TEC/AHOME partnership began in 2001 and will last at least through 2011—thanks to the 10-year agreement signed at its inception. Cumberland TEC’s building trades programs are more than 35 years old and its graduates are in high demand. AHOME’s success and efficient operation continues to attract Federal grant monies that are the lifeblood of their efforts. Qualified families are abundant in the Millville area and the need for new housing in that growing community is intense. Since everyone wins in this partnership, all parties—including CCTEC, AHOME, the City of Millville and potential new homeowners—are enthusiastic supporters of the partnership.

Area 6: Endorsements:

“This partnership helps AHOME provide a custom built, energy efficient home to one more lower-income working family each year. It is a pleasure to work with Cumberland County TEC since they ensure the home is constructed with care. We couldn’t be happier and hope the partnership continues for years to come.”

                        --Donna Turner, AHOME Executive Director

“The Cumberland TEC/AHOME partnership has helped make Millville a better place. Their efforts have improved our housing stock and increased our tax ratables while ensuring new housing opportunities for responsible Millville families. Other communities could benefit from a similar arrangement with their local technical school.

                        --Mayor James Quinn, City of Millville

“Until you done something for real, you don’t know it. Building a full-size ranch house gives students real-world skills and problem-solving experience while providing a valuable community service.  Experience and community service provided through the partnership help create excellent candidates for our apprentice program.”

                        --Dave Cunniff, YTTW Coordinator, Carpenters Union Local 393