By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview with Mary Pierce and Jake Soper on our Kubota Podcasts.
Ogallala, Neb - High school students in Ogallala are getting hands-on experience in the trades while making a real difference in the lives of local veterans, thanks to Mid Plains Community College’s Ready to Work Homes for Heroes program. This innovative course allows students to learn construction skills by building tiny homes for unhoused veterans, combining workforce training with community service.
Mary Pierce, working with Mid Plains Community College Ready to Work, explained that the program was created to meet a growing need for skilled workers in building construction, plumbing, electrical, and welding in Western Nebraska. “Not all high school students are going on to a two- or four-year college, but it’s important they leave school with marketable skills,” Pierce said.
The course is taught by Jake Soper, who guides students through all aspects of building, from rough framing and interior finishes to plumbing and electrical work. Students also learn job-ready skills such as writing resumes and interviewing, preparing them for entry-level construction positions in the community. The program starts in January and runs through March or April, with classes held all day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. At the end of the program, students receive a certificate listing the skills they have mastered.
What sets Homes for Heroes apart from traditional trade classes is its altruistic component. Students are building homes for veterans in need, giving them a tangible way to impact their community. “One of the most important parts of this program is that students are doing something so much bigger than themselves,” Pierce said. “They’re building a home for a veteran, and that changes the whole meaning behind the work.”
The program is free for students, thanks to grant funding, making it accessible to a wide range of participants. Over the next several years, the goal is to build seven to eight tiny homes, creating permanent housing for unhoused veterans.
The Ready to Work Homes for Heroes program is still recruiting students for the Spring 2026 class. High school or homeschool students interested in joining can contact Mid Plains Community College in Ogallala via email at [email protected] or by phone at 308-284-9830.
This unique program is more than just a construction class—it’s an opportunity for students to gain skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose while giving back to the community, one home at a time.