I-Build Teen Summer Camp

In July 2024, the Salem Kroc Center launched the I-Build Teen Summer Camp, an innovative eight-week program designed to help high school students recover academic credits while gaining essential employability skills. The program targeted students from Salem-Keizer Public Schools, equipping 24 participants with hands-on construction training and career preparation to ensure they stayed on track for graduation. Remarkably, the program achieved a 100% attendance rate—a rare accomplishment for credit recovery programs.
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During the camp, students constructed twelve 8’ x 16’ shed units, which were donated to Church at the Park to serve individuals experiencing homelessness in Marion and Polk Counties. Volunteers later transformed these sheds into cottage-style living quarters, directly addressing the region’s housing needs. This project provided students with real-world construction experience while fostering a sense of community service.
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The I-Build program blended workforce training, academic recovery, and personal growth, ensuring students left with both practical skills and certifications. Key outcomes included:

Each day began with breakfast at 8:30 a.m., followed by a general contractors' meeting at 9:00 a.m., where a student representative from each team participated. Throughout the day, students engaged in construction activities such as cutting, nailing, drilling, and assembling shed units under the guidance of experienced instructors.

At 11:30 a.m., local employers visited the site to observe students in action and share insights about career opportunities during lunch. These daily interactions with industry professionals allowed students to connect classroom learning with tangible career paths through Q&A sessions that deepened their understanding of the workforce.​
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The program concluded with a graduation ceremony on August 30, where students were celebrated for their achievements and awarded tool belts filled with tools—symbolizing their hard work, acquired skills, and readiness for future careers.
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The I-Build Teen Summer Camp was made possible through collaboration with multiple partners, including:

This partnership-driven model ensured that students benefitted from aligned support across education, workforce development, and mental health services.
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The I-Build Teen Summer Camp is a model for workforce education that integrates hands-on learning, academic recovery, and community service. It provides students with valuable career-connected learning opportunities while addressing real-world challenges—in this case, helping to alleviate housing shortages.

The program’s success has attracted significant attention from workforce and education leaders across Oregon, serving as a blueprint for future initiatives. I-Build demonstrates how youth can contribute meaningfully to their communities while preparing for high-demand careers.
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