San Antonio High School Carpentry Program Secures $75,000 Grant for Skilled Trades Education

Chase Haecker, a carpentry teacher at Warren High School within the Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, was recently awarded a $75,000 grant from Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. This national prize recognizes excellence in skilled trade education, a field often overlooked but critical to the construction industry. Haecker, with 18 years of teaching experience, has built a robust program that partners with organizations like Habitat for Humanity for wall package construction and Marek Brothers for drywall training and paid internships.

The program offers students certifications such as OSHA 10-Hour and HBI-PACT Carpentry, preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce. Students also contribute to the community by building storage sheds for the Alamo Housing Authority and bunk beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace. The $75,000 award comes at a crucial time, as Haecker’s program often relies on external partnerships due to budget constraints within the district. This funding will enable the purchase of new tools and equipment, ensuring the program can continue to grow and provide high-quality training.

For developers, architects, and contractors, programs like Haecker's are essential for cultivating the next generation of skilled laborers, addressing ongoing workforce shortages in construction.