What is the Let’s Build It Institute?
Let’s Build It is a convening of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools’ prize-winning teachers designed to produce valuable and inventive ideas that could dramatically improve skilled trades education in public schools across the country. The Institute offers meaningful opportunities for peer learning, reflection and relationship-building, creating a network of skilled trades teachers that will grow and deepen for years to come.
2019 Photos
2018 Photos
“This was time well spent with my colleagues who truly love their work and put their heart and soul into their teaching. Not only did we share many successes in our journeys, but it taught me that we all face the same common problem of attracting young talent into our programs. ‘Lets Build it’ brings these inspiring teachers together to share ideas that are working in their neighborhoods, schools, and states. And I am proud to be part of this work.”
Reflections From Teachers
From Unfamiliar to Family
Jeff Cesari is a winner of the 2018 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. He teaches power equipment technology at Bucks County Technical High School in Fairfield, PA.
Learning from L.A. to LA
Adam Bourne is a winner of the 2018 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. He teaches carpentry and electrical at the NET Charter High School in New Orleans.
Pilot Projects
Pilot project grants help prize-winning skilled trades teachers test and bring to life new ideas inspired by their experience at the Let’s Build It Institute. Through this program, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools seeds original, teacher-led methods to improve skilled trades education beyond an individual classroom.
Featured Project
Bob Kilmer, 2017 Prize Winner and a Construction teacher at Enumclaw High School, wanted to spark a passion for skilled trades among younger students. His pitch? A mobile learning lab to take to local elementary schools. Watch as his high schoolers work with fifth graders to build a tiny house—and develop a love of learning a skill.