OSU-OKC students aid nonprofit in building homes for homeless youths

Construction technology students frame tiny homes for Oklahoma City nonprofit Pivot

Students at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City are learning career-building skills while helping an Oklahoma City nonprofit give shelter to homeless youths.

The students are in the Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) Construction Technology program. They have been working in the campus construction bay this semester to construct walls that will become part of tiny homes for Pivot.

The nonprofit helps teens and young adults who are homeless or aging out of the foster care system. Pivot provides the youths with housing, emotional counseling, job training and life-skills training. Earlier this year, Pivot officials announced a plan to construct a tiny-home community on their property.

The OSU-OKC students are working with lumber donated by Builders FirstSource to build the frames of front, back and side walls for the 15-foot-by-22-foot homes. Once the wall frames are complete, they will be hauled by truck from campus to the Pivot property, where plans call for the construction of up to 85 tiny houses.

The OSU-OKC students are working on walls for the first three homes. The project allows the students to learn real-world trade skills and earn college credit toward a degree in construction technology. 

At the same time, the students – many who work full-time jobs while attending school – can help provide homes for other young adults who are less fortunate.

“You don’t always get a learning opportunity that also lets you help out in the community,” said Terry Clinefelter, Construction Technology department head. “These are great students, and they are enjoying the chance to do something good for others.”

OSU-OKC President Brad Williams said the school didn’t hesitate when given the chance to partner with Pivot and its tiny home project.

“Through education, OSU-OKC is changing lives and impacting the community in a unique and special way,” Williams said. “I challenge anyone interested in this story to identify their own way to serve and help others. Choose to change the world in a positive way.”

To learn more about Pivot, go to www.pivotok.org. For more information about construction technology classes at OSU-OKC, go to www.osuokc.edu/STEM.