The Big Skills Program (BSP)

Learn construction skills, experience hands-on real-world learning by building a small house*  from scratch to completion!  No experience required.

We are currently looking for highly motivated, reliable high school graduates with a desire to learn about the building trades.   Apply to be a Learning Leader.  No experience needed.

We offer free Tuition.   Those who complete the project are awarded a $5,000 stipend.

The 10 month project starts Aug. 11th 2025 and ends June 12th 2026. We learn and build on the campus of San Rafael High School, Monday - Friday,  8:00 am - 1:00 pm **  

Learning Leaders with the Big Skills program will experience building a home, and sharpen the skills required to complete a complex project.  They  will be exposed to a wide range of construction skills, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, cabinetry  and more.  Additionally, by working as a team, each student will advance their leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, and communication skills.  

Big Skills Learning Leaders will pass on the skills they are developing to high school students.   Each Big Skills student will have a crew of 4 high school students.  The high school classes are typically 90 minutes long. This will deepen the learning process and further develop leadership and communication skills.  

As the small home ADU is being built, participants will undergo career planning sessions.  We will provide recommendations for placements and check in with graduates to ensure that graduates continue to move towards their goals. BSP is committed to supporting its graduates to ensure their long-term success.

For an application and interview contact Big Skills at: student@bigskillstinyhomes.org.  

* Small Home ADU,  for us,, will be approximately 160 square feet, and include a living space, modern bathroom, and complete kitchen. Like any other typical home, it will have plumbing, electricity, wood framed walls with windows and doors, and roofing.

** Days Off Per San Rafael High School Calendar

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