The Carrollton High School RaLin Construction Academy teaches fundamental knowledge of construction as students strengthen trade skills to apply in the industry. During the spring semester, students were eager to take on a community project, designing and constructing a home for a veteran community.
Known as a model construction education program, students are taught a variety of techniques as well as job site expectations. For this unique community project, students learned how to build foundational components of a house, including a truss system, wall sections, and floor systems. From establishing a floor plan to creating fabrication patterns to ensure uniformity, they carefully considered each phase of the building process. In all, the home is approximately 500 square feet and costs around $6,000 to build, which was funded by RaLin.
Tristan Morin, a 2025 graduate, said this project provided the opportunity to give back while learning.
“All of the skills we used throughout the construction process are important for field work, and it was valuable for our team to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause,” said Tristan.
Tristan received the CCS Education Foundation RaLin scholarship to support his education at Mississippi State University, where he intends to major in a construction-related degree.
Completing a project of this scale required students to learn about the details of constructing a home, with the added challenge of relocating the structure and making it an efficient design for the on-site team to reassemble.
“This RaLin community project enabled students to learn how to design within the construction process,” said CHS RaLin Academy Instructor Chris Stone. “It is an honor to share what our program has accomplished to benefit others.”
Stone recently led professional development sessions for construction educators from across the state, demonstrating how others can cultivate such an impactful program.
Through the continued support of RaLin and Carrollton City Schools, the academy has put its talents on display by building a 10-piece obstacle course for CHS JROTC, constructing trophy cases for the Trojan Band, and becoming the only group statewide to develop proficiency in concrete to meet current industry demands.
With more than 50% of RaLin Academy students working in or studying to pursue a career in the construction industry, the program continues to set the standard for construction education, equipping students with invaluable skills and a strong sense of community.
