Build U.P. launches new housing program with school districts

What's happening: Build U.P. has introduced the Career and Technical Education Partnership Program, a new initiative designed to creatively tackle the regional shortage of skilled trades workers and boost the housing market by partnering with local intermediate school districts. The program will allow high school and middle college students looking to enter the trades to learn about the various professions in the industry, while also addressing crucial housing needs in the region.

Funded through a $1 million investment, this partnership will support Career and Technical Education programs in the intermediate school districts of Delta Schoolcraft and Copper Country, with an agreement anticipated soon with the Eastern UP. 

Ongoing struggle: According to an InvestUP poll of municipal leaders, housing is one of the biggest problems impacting the Upper Peninsula. Multiple factors have limited the amount of available housing over the last three decades, ranging from local ordinances making it harder to build affordable housing, housing torn down due to blight (and new housing never rebuilt on the parcel), homes turned into businesses or short-term rentals and seasonal residents remaining in more traditionally single-family homes because they are unable to downsize. 

Without additional housing, the housing market is driving up costs for current properties, which makes it harder to attract and retain workers, according to InvestUP, the lead regional economic organization for the U.P., with a mission to drive prosperity across the peninsula. The organization's Build U.P. fund was launched earlier this year.

What they're saying: “This is truly a win-win-win for our region and schools and, most importantly, our students,” says Marty Fittante, Build U.P. CEO.

What's next: The program plans for students to build six homes across five communities, with construction beginning this fall in Escanaba and Houghton, and next year in Cedarville, L’Anse, and Manistique. InvestUP expects the program to expand to more school districts after the initial run of houses is completed.