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Clarkston students showcase construction program; community groups pledge scholarships for trades students
Summary
Students and instructors highlighted hands‑on work in the Clarkston Construction Technology program; Preservation Clarkson committed $20,000 seed funds and a local foundation pledged a $190,000 commitment to scholarships and trade‑certification awards, district leaders said.
The Clarkston Board of Education heard a presentation on the district’s Construction Technology program and recognized longtime instructor Steve Wyckoff for his role starting and sustaining the program.
Adam Goring, the program instructor, described hands‑on learning at a practice house, partnerships with contractors and strong outcomes in competitions: "This has been a great experience for me," he said, and noted the program has produced multiple SkillsUSA medalists and direct pathways into trade careers.
Students described the program’s practical benefits: Duncan Ruby said the program helped him build side income projects and compete at state and national events, while other students noted exposure to heavy equipment, concrete and masonry work at the practice house.
The board and superintendent highlighted community support: Scott Alba of Alba Masonry described donating materials and on‑site mentorship, and Dr. Ryan announced seed funding commitments to build a trades scholarship fund. Preservation Clarkson committed $20,000 as a seed contribution, and Dr. Ryan said a local philanthropic group (transcribed in the record as a Ferguson foundation) has pledged a commitment of $190,000 that the district will use for multi‑year scholarships and trade‑certification awards.
The board recessed briefly for a photo with students, instructors and community partners and asked staff to work with donors to structure scholarship awards.
Next steps: district staff will coordinate donor agreements and a plan to sustain scholarship funding and integrate community partners into program opportunities.
