In Yankton, South Dakota, a new home is taking shape through an effort that brings together education, community partners, and a shared goal of long-term affordability.

Students at the Yankton Career and Technical Education Academy are spending this school year gaining real-world construction experience by building a home for Habitat for Humanity of Clay and Yankton Counties. The project provides students with the opportunity to work on an actual residence while learning practical skills that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.

This marks the first time the CTE Academy has partnered with Habitat for Humanity, creating a meaningful connection between workforce development and community housing needs.

Learning Skills That Matter

The project is designed to expose students to modern construction methods while reinforcing teamwork, problem-solving, and jobsite safety. Local professionals, including EPS Authorized Dealer Pete Steffen with Steffen Construction, are working alongside the students, offering guidance and support as new challenges arise.

By working with experienced builders, students gain insight into what construction careers look like in the real world and how quality workmanship plays a role in long-term building performance.

Built for Efficiency and Affordability

A key focus of the home is energy efficiency, which also supports Habitat for Humanity’s mission of keeping homes affordable not just at purchase, but for years to come. The house is being built using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), a high-performance wall system designed to reduce energy loss and improve overall comfort.

EPS provided the SIP materials at cost, allowing students to learn about an energy-efficient building system while helping Habitat explore construction methods that support long-term affordability.

A Community Coming Together

This project reflects a true community effort. In addition to the CTE Academy, Habitat for Humanity, Steffen Construction, and Energy Panel Structures, the City of Yankton and Yankton County played an important role by securing the lot for the home. Local leadership worked together to make the property available for redevelopment, supporting both neighborhood improvement and affordable housing efforts.