The Advanced Construction Course is a unique program designed to introduce high school students to the real work and skills of the construction industry while also attaining the noble objective of creating affordable local housing.  This wonderful opportunity exists because of the joint efforts and collaboration between the Belleville Township High School District 201 (BTHS) and the Belleville Community Development Corporation (BCDC).  Together, we are building new homes in Belleville’s oldest neighborhoods.

The BCDC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create affordable housing for low-to-moderate income families while revitalizing established Belleville neighborhoods.  Since 1998, the BCDC has worked to renovate homes in Belleville and sell them below market value.  Beginning as a new endeavor in the 2004/2005 school year, the BCDC began selling brand new homes built by the Belleville High School students.  BTHS students persist in achieving exellence in their workmanship and exhibit great pride in their accomplishements.  Qualifying families are fortunate to be able to purchase a high quality newly built home for typically 20% lower than the appraised value.

BTHS’s Advanced Construction Program enables students from Belleville East and Belleville West High Schools to learn how to build a home from the ground up.  Several area contractors willingly donate their time to share their trade expertise.  Many area businesses and individuals have donated products and money to help provide tools, scholarships, and tokens of appreciation for the students who enrolled in the program.

The program goal is to build one home each school year.  Completed projects are at 300 S. Church St., 206 N. 14th St., 402 N. 5th St., and 2005 Madison Ave. in Belleville.  Construction has started on the fifth house at  1808 Scheel Street.  The house will be completed and ready for market in May 2009.  The BCDC manages grant funding obtained through the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department.  Interested buyers must meet county income guidelines and complete applications through the BCDC.  

Visit the BCDC at, www.bellevillecdc.org

For more information about the BTHS Advanced Construction Course, contact:

Jim Kinsman
Belleville Township High School East
2555 West Blvd.
Belleville, IL  62221
618.222.3700 ext 4720
618.772.9368
jkinsman@bths201.org