This year Comal ISD has partnered with the Greater New Braunfels Home Builders Association to develop skilled construction workers.

Through a partnership with the Greater New Braunfels Home Builders Association, the Architecture/Construction Graduation Pathway Program allows junior and senior students at Canyon High School to work with local contractors in the plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, concrete and general construction trades.

“I would like to create sustainable programs for all of our kids at Comal ISD,” CISD Superintendent Andrew Kim said in a news release. “Programs which provide opportunities for them to make connections in life with what is learned in the classroom, from using math and language to critical thinking skills. This type of opportunity helps students become adaptable and involved in their community.”

CISD currently offers programs in culinary arts, cyber patriotism, entrepreneurship, coding and various health careers. In a news release, the district said it hopes to add more community work partnership programs.

Currently 75 students are enrolled in the new Architecture/Construction Graduation Pathway Program. Participants will interview for paid internships with 15 local companies and begin working in October.

“This pathway is important because we have many students who are interested in careers in these particular job fields,” CHS teacher Matt Owen said in a statement. “Students will be able to receive hands-on training in a field which interests them and at the same time, accumulate credit towards graduation and earn a wage. It makes me feel good knowing that we are helping them get ahead.”