From February 27 through March 18, adult school students enrolled in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC courses participated in volunteer build days, working on two homes currently under construction. Additional build days are scheduled for March 31, April 8, April 28 and April 29, 2026, with students already signed up and eager to participate.
In total, 95 students from the Building and Construction Pathways program are expected to volunteer between February 27 and April 29. The effort provides students with the opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting alongside experienced construction leaders and community volunteers.
Due to high student interest, participation has been organized across multiple days to ensure all students have the opportunity to contribute. SGV Habitat construction leaders have shared positive feedback on the students’ teamwork and willingness to learn.
Throughout the project, students assisted with a range of tasks, including painting, sanding, prepping work areas and basic construction support such as hammering and material handling. Each day began with a safety briefing led by site supervisors, including stretching exercises, proper use of personal protective equipment such as hard hats and safety glasses, and an overview of daily assignments. Students were then divided into teams and assigned to specific areas of the homes.
For many participants, the experience carried personal meaning.
“I’m happy to volunteer and gain this experience because I hope to become a plumber one day,” said BPACE student Christopher Hernandez. “I’m also from Pasadena, so rebuilding here feels good.”
This partnership reflects BPACE’s commitment to providing students with career-connected learning opportunities that prepare them for the workforce while fostering a spirit of service.
“This has been an incredible opportunity for our students to build both skills and purpose,” BPACE Director Dr. Veronica Valenzuela said. “We look forward to continuing this work and creating more opportunities for our students to succeed in any industry while supporting communities in need.”
BPACE plans to continue expanding its construction pathway offerings and hopes to pursue additional partnerships with SGV Habitat. BPACE is also preparing to expand its new roofing course, further strengthening its career technical education opportunities for adult learners.
"Our education partnerships, like the one we’ve built with BPACE, play a vital role in advancing SGV Habitat’s mission of bringing people together to build homes, community, and hope. Through these collaborations, students gain meaningful real-world experience while directly contributing to the creation of affordable housing in our community," said Adrian Salcido, Community Partnerships Manager.
To learn more about SGV Habitat, please visit: https://sgvhabitat.org/ .
Photos
BPACE student Christopher Hernandez reinforces roof.
BPACE student preparing to measure and cut wood.
BPACE student learns how to prepare inside edges for painting.
BPACE students paint house roof trimming.
BPACE Career and Technical Education Chair and Teacher Jeffrey Palmer and SGV Habitat Site Leaders pose for a photo.
Photo of Altadena Strong poster hung up at the SGV Habitat build site.