CHAD Presents Spring 2026 Scholarships to Building Construction Technology Students

On November 4, 2025, the Community Housing Association of Dodge City (CHAD) awarded seven scholarships to students in the Dodge City Community College (DCCC) Building Construction Technology Program for the Spring 2026 semester. The scholarship presentation took place at 1409 E. Cedar Avenue, where students are currently constructing a duplex as part of their hands-on coursework.

Scholarships were awarded to Josue Fernandez, Gracie Beierle, Kevin Navarrete, Adrik Perez, Alan Lopez-Agustin, Jake Voss, and Wilmar Hernandez. CHAD Board of Director members present included Debbie Snapp, Craig Mock, Daniel Love, and Caroline Petty.

This marks the seventh consecutive year that CHAD has presented scholarships to DCCC students preparing for careers in the construction field. These scholarships help cover tuition and tools.

CHAD and the DCCC Building Construction Technology Program maintain a strong partnership that combines workforce development with real-world housing solutions. CHAD supplies vacant lots and building materials, while students construct a home from the ground up, providing labor as part of their classroom experience.

“This program does so much more than teach construction skills, it helps students launch meaningful careers, increases our pool of qualified contractors, revitalizes blighted neighborhoods, and adds quality and affordable housing to our community,” said Mollea Lightner, Assistant Director of Economic Development. “The students aren’t just learning how to build a house, they’re learning how to build a community. It’s a win for the students, a win for our neighborhoods, and a win for our entire region. We are proud to support these students with scholarships that remove financial barriers and encourage them to pursue essential careers in the trades.”

This year’s class project is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex with a one-car garage. It is expected to be completed in May 2026. The project includes partnering with licensed local contractors for concrete, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work, giving students the opportunity to learn specialized trades alongside general construction.

CHAD and the DCCC partnership exemplifies how education, community development, and housing can come together to create a lasting impact. To learn more about this program visit www.dodgedev.org/housing.

Photo  courtesy of Lance Ziesch.

Media Contact:

Mollea Lightner

Assistant Director, Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation

molleaw@dodgedev.org | 620-227-9501