Overview
The Bus Project was launched in 2020 with the support of the IGNITE Grant from the Oregon Community Foundation to the Southern Oregon STEM Hub. The project emerged in response to a critical gap identified by a regional CTE/STEM needs assessment: a disconnect between construction trade education and industry requirements. That same year, the devastating Almeda Fire ravaged Southern Oregon, intensifying the need for innovative solutions to rebuild the community and equipping students with practical trade skills.
The project exemplifies how hands-on learning can prepare students for in-demand careers while addressing real-world challenges. Through collaboration with schools, non-profits, and industry, the Bus Project gives students practical construction experience by converting old buses into functional living spaces for those in need.
Project Launch and Initial Success
One of the first significant projects took place in Justin Eagar’s class at South Medford High School, in partnership with Talent Maker City and the Skoolie Home Foundation. Over 200 students from four different school districts participated in converting a bus into a home fora family displaced by the Almeda Fire.
During the project, students built a 3D cardboard model of the bus, applying both creative design and construction skills. This exercise allowed students to design and visualize the space organically, as described by Justin Eagar:
“We came to it organically by looking at the space and having the students
design it themselves.”
Expansion Through Team Oregon Build
Building on the initial success, the Bus Project received additional funding through ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds under the Team Oregon Build initiative. This funding has enabled the development of five more bus conversions, expanding the program's impact across Southern Oregon. The following projects are currently underway:
The Innovation Academy and Valley Immediate Care are collaborating to create a mobile medical bus.
Hidden Valley High School is building a mobile bunkhouse for firefighters to support emergency response efforts.
Prospect Charter School, Crater Lake Electrical and Henley High School, are three other locations where bus conversions are taking place.
Impact on Students and Community
The Bus Project serves as a model for how CTE and STEAM programs can empower students through practical, project-based learning:
Career Preparation: Students develop skills in construction, manufacturing, and
design, preparing them for careers in high-demand industries.
Real-World Problem Solving: By addressing tangible community needs, students
gain experience in applying their skills to solve challenges such as housing and
disaster response.
Community Collaboration: Schools, non-profits, and industry leaders work
together to create meaningful learning experiences, demonstrating the value of
partnerships between education and industry.
Conclusion
The Bus Project showcases the power of collaboration between CTE programs, STEAM initiatives, and community partners to prepare students for the workforce while addressing urgent community needs. Through hands-on learning, students not only explore career pathways in the trades but also make a lasting impact on their community. With five additional bus conversions underway, the project demonstrates how education can intersect with industry and emergency response to create sustainable solutions, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the modern workforce.
As TOB continues, the initiative stands as a beacon for how state agencies, Tribes and industry can work in synergy, addressing pressing challenges while building a stronger and more resilient future for Oregon.
Please contact Jim Taylor: [email protected] for more information about agency engagement to support Team Oregon Build
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