A partnership with the Ross County Community Action Commission has led to Adult Education offering Intro to Carpentry, a 12-week hands-on training program.
Julie Bolen, executive director of the Ross County agency, said a grant funds the purchase and rehab of a property in the Ross County Land Bank. The Land Bank was established in 2016 to reduce vacant and blighted properties in Chillicothe.
The agency’s first project was restoring a house last year to serve as a recovery house for women. The house is set to open to residents next month. Students in Pickaway-Ross’ Adult Education Electrical program worked on that project.
Julie said the next project is a duplex that will be used by the agency to operate transitional recovery housing for families.
“The property had a fire a few years back and is need of significant work to get it ready,” Julie said. “RCCAC is partnering with Pickaway-Ross to help on the rehab work on the property through the Intro to Carpentry program. Adult Education’s Electrical and HVAC students will help.”
Working with Julie is not new for Carrie Fife, Adult Education director,
“Working with Julie in the past, we've always liked the idea of students learning while giving back to the community. This project allows us to bring those very concepts together and at the same time see adults earn their high school diploma as well.”
The Intro to Carpentry course is part of the Adult Diploma Program offered through Pickaway-Ross Adult Education. Students 22 and older can earn their high school diploma while also earning certifications in construction and carpentry.
“The house project will provide a great opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience working on the job site,” Julie said.
People interested in course eligibility can call (740) 642-1365 for more information.