The Student Build Program is a year-long residential trades program for Johnson County high school juniors and seniors at within the Iowa City Community School District. Throughout the academic year, students engage in the construction of a single-family home for a local affordable housing provider, working from inception to completion under the guidance of professional mentors. The course prioritizes hands-on involvement and emphasizes job site safety, trade skills, and career pathways in Architecture, Construction, and Engineering.

Spanning three class periods over the full school year and involving students from multiple high schools, the program ensures participants gain a comprehensive understanding of sequential building processes, building science concepts, and the professions integral to designing and constructing a home for an affordable housing provider. In addition to technical training in areas such as framing, roofing, drywall, plumbing, and electrical systems, students participate in structured classroom learning covering blueprint reading, safety certification, and project management. Career exploration is embedded through site visits, employer engagement, and mentorships, preparing students for direct entry into the trades or continued education.

This immersive experience empowers students with tangible, job-ready skills and simultaneously supports the creation of high-quality affordable housing in Johnson County.