About Us

As of Summer 2025, the Student Build Program has completed two home builds in Johnson County.

Johnson County is experiencing a dual challenge: a shortage of skilled trades professionals and a severe lack of affordable housing. The Iowa Workforce Development agency lists construction as one of the state’s fastest-growing industries, but local employers continue to face workforce shortages. At the same time, the 2023 American Community Survey data reveals that over 52% of renters in Johnson County are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing.

The Student Build Program responds to both these challenges by training youth in construction skills and contributing to the affordable housing supply. The program particularly benefits students who are exploring alternatives to four-year college, giving them access to lucrative careers and reducing post-secondary debt. It also benefits community members in need of stable, affordable housing.

This project uniquely addresses these challenges by partnering with existing organizations in our community. We know that only by collaborating together we can make true, lasting impact. Without interventions like the Student Build Program of Johnson County, our region will continue struggle to meet the growing need for both housing and labor.

Our long-term goal is to construct one or more affordable homes annually while expanding to include additional school districts located in Johnson County and post-secondary credentialing partnerships. Continued community investment will allow us to increase student enrollment, deepen our technical curriculum, and create a replicable workforce housing pipeline that serves the county for years to come.

Current coordinating partners include:

  • Sueppel’s Building & Remodeling (General Contractor)

  • Iowa City Community School District (Partnered District)

  • The Housing Fellowship (Property Owner)

  • The City of Iowa City

  • The Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association

  • The Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition