Celebrating the Future Workforce

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Aug. 4, 2025 - PRLog -- The Home Builders Association (HBA) of Durham, Orange, and Chatham Counties, in partnership with Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools, is proud to announce the graduation of the 2025 class of the Summer Careers Academy (SCA) — a transformative, hands-on workforce development pre-apprenticeship program designed to prepare high school students for high-demand careers in the skilled trades.

The 2025 SCA Graduation will take place on Thursday, August 7, 2025, marking the culmination of eight intensive weeks of real-world training, professional development, and jobsite experience. Seventeen students from both school districts participated in this year's cohort, gaining not only technical skills in construction, electrical, HVAC, and carpentry, but also workplace readiness and financial literacy training.

Now in its fourth year, the SCA continues to grow as a model of collaborative innovation in education and workforce development. With support from dozens of local employers and industry partners, the program connects students directly with job opportunities, mentorship, and pathways to further training and certification.

"This is more than just a summer job — it's an investment in our community's future," said Holly Fraccaro, President and CEO of the HBA. "We're creating pipelines into essential careers, empowering young people, and addressing the growing shortage of skilled workers in our region."

School administrators, elected officials, employers, and families will gather to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025, who will present capstone reflections on their experiences and receive certificates of completion.

The SCA is funded through a combination of public education resources and private sector contributions, illustrating the power of public-private partnerships in solving local economic challenges and expanding opportunities for youth.

About the Summer Careers Academy

The SCA is a paid summer program launched in 2022 by the HBA of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties in collaboration with Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools. It offers rising seniors a direct pipeline into high-growth skilled trade careers through education, jobsite experience, and life-skills development.

About the Home Builders Association:

Founded in 1962, the HBA of Durham, Orange, and Chatham Counties is affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders and the North Carolina Home Builders Association. Its 700 members consist of builders, developers, subcontractors, suppliers, and professionals in businesses related to residential construction. For more information, call 919-265-9350 or visit www.hbadoc.com.