Hamilton High School students enrolled in the SPARK Construction Program are using industry-standard construction tools and equipment this fall thanks to a grant from the Hamilton Education Foundation (HEF) and a generous donation from Milwaukee Tool.
“We are so grateful for the support of the Hamilton Education Foundation and partners like Milwaukee Tool,” shares Hamilton High School Extended Learning Coordinator and Associate Principal Marquea Goike. “Their support helps us continue to grow the hands-on, real-world learning opportunities we can provide for our students. Giving students opportunities to learn by doing, explore different careers and build skills they can take with them beyond high school is incredibly valuable,” she adds.
HEF leadership facilitated a donation of more than $4000 worth of Milwaukee Tool products including hammers, circular saws, rear handle saws, Hole Hawgs, levels, framing nailers and tool belts.
This equipment will be used on an active residential Tim O’Brien Homes construction site where the inaugural class of SPARK Construction Program students will work alongside professional contractors. The investment allows all participants to train using the same equipment found on professional job sites.
The SPARK Construction Program launched at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. It provides students with the opportunity to work with industry mentors throughout the homebuilding process while developing valuable technical skills, workplace experience and professional connections. In addition to earning high school credit, students gain exposure to career opportunities in the skilled trades through partnerships with Tim O’Brien Homes and other industry professionals, many of whom are potential future employers.
“The SPARK Construction Program was developed as an additional way to support strong student interest in the skilled trades and the growing workforce demand throughout our community,” said Goike. “This collaboration is evidence of the ongoing work to bridge the gap between education and real world industry.”