Rome’s Graduation: A First for AcademySTAY

Rome (center) stands proudly with his BuildStrong Academy classmates and instructors after completing the carpentry pre-apprentice program.

At AcademySTAY, we believe every young adult deserves more than survival - they deserve a launchpad to thrive. This month, we celebrated a milestone that proves what’s possible when housing, mentorship, and opportunity come together: our very first graduate from a trade school program.

Rome and his daughter in the doorway of a training project at BuildStrong Academy, where he completed the carpentry program.

Rome, one of our residents, successfully completed BuildStrong Academy’s carpentry program. Balancing school, parenting, and his own personal growth, Rome shared at the ceremony:

“This program didn’t just teach me how to cut wood — it taught me discipline, how not to give up on myself, and to take pride in what I do. This is not the end. This is the foundation.”

About BuildStrong Academy

BuildStrong Academy is a hands-on training center created through a partnership between the Home Builders Institute (HBI) and the Building Careers Foundation (BCF). Its nine-week carpentry program equips students with essential construction skills, workplace discipline, and nationally recognized certifications.

Graduates leave with:

• OSHA-10 safety certification

• Foundational carpentry and construction skills

• Work readiness and soft skills

• Connections to employers and union apprenticeships

AcademySTAY Executive Director Jenny Davidson (left) and Building Careers Foundation's Lavonnia De Loach (right) congratulate Rome on his graduation success.

For motivated students like Rome, completing BuildStrong doesn’t just mean having new skills; it can also accelerate entry into apprenticeship programs that usually require a long wait. His training positions him to move forward faster into the trades, with skills already recognized by industry partners.

Through partnerships with the Home Builders Institute and Building Careers Foundation, graduates like Rome leave with OSHA-10 safety training, hands-on construction skills, and a clear pathway into living-wage careers. In Rome’s case, his dedication has already opened the door to the electrical trades, where his training allows him to move forward faster than most applicants.

Voices from the Celebration

Jenny Davidson, AcademySTAY’s Executive Director, reflected on the moment:

"Rome’s graduation is more than a milestone for him — it’s a milestone for all of us. His success proves that when young people have a safe home and a supportive community partnership behind them, they can accomplish incredible things.”

Lavonnia De Loach, of the Building Careers Foundation, added:

"We’re so proud of Rome and what he’s accomplished. BuildStrong Academy was designed to open doors to careers in the skilled trades, and Rome has shown what happens when determination meets opportunity. With partners like AcademySTAY, we can ensure more young adults have the training, support, and confidence to succeed in industries that need their talent.”

Rome celebrated at AcademySTAY after his graduation.

A Launchpad for the Future

We are so proud of Rome’s resilience and honored to walk alongside him in this journey. He is proof that stable housing and strong partnerships create real change — not just for one young man, but for generations to come.

How You Can Help

AcademySTAY relies on donations of time, talent, and resources to keep life-changing programs running. Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. Donate: your gift provides housing stipends, life-skills workshops, and education grants.

2. Volunteer: from guest-speaking in life-skills classes to one-on-one mentoring, your expertise empowers our students.

Together we can ensure that every young person (like Rome) has the stability, encouragement, and opportunities they need to flourish.