The area just outside the north entrance of Kiewit Hall recently transformed into more than a busy job site — it became a living classroom. There, students enrolled in Emmeline Watson’s Vertical Construction classes stepped into real-world experience by building nine sheds over the course of two weeks.

For many of the 92 students, it was their first time operating power tools or taking a design from blueprint to reality. But beyond the technical training, the project offered something deeper: a meaningful connection to community service.

“In class, I teach what a 2-by-4 is, what treated lumber is used for, why you do this or that, but until they are seeing and caring about a job they’re doing, it doesn’t fully sink in sometimes,” said Watson, assistant professor of practice in the Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction. “That’s a big part of what I wanted the students to learn from this (project), but I also wanted to them to learn the importance of engaging their community and giving something back.”

The completed sheds — along with a custom-built doghouse — were sold to support Hope Village, a local effort led by Bridges to Hope. The nonprofit is developing a “tiny home” community aimed at helping people recently released from prison reintegrate into society with dignity. According to its website, Hope Village will consist of small homes between 300 and 500 square feet, offering “stable, dignified housing.”

From the beginning of the semester, students were involved in the full scope of the construction process, from initial design to the final hammer swing. Each structure was outfitted with features like solar panels and large windows — and collectively, the group raised around $10,000 for the cause.

But the most lasting value, students said, came from the practical lessons they’ll carry into future careers.

“We had to design our own sheds and collaborate on everything: the dimensions, the materials we used, making schedules,” said Jaeda Jeffries, a junior. “From the design, to how to be part of a team and have good teamwork, as well as being able to coordinate and keep to a schedule, that’s important for a construction career.”

Sophomore Cameron Lenhardt, who also plays defensive line for the Husker football team, likened the site’s energy and collaboration to being part of a sports team.

“It’s learning the steps (in the building process) and what role you play is a big part of this,” Lenhardt said. “It’s been great to take the foundation of what we’ve learned in class and put it into life out here.”

For students preparing to enter the field through internships, the opportunity to work hands-on was especially valuable.

“It’s kind of the first time we’re getting our hands dirty, our first time getting to be on a job site and learning the ropes about what goes on every day,” said sophomore Ashley Garrard, who worked alongside classmate Hallie Hamilton.

The success of the project was bolstered by donations and mentorship from industry partners including Watts Electric, Mortenson, Perry Reid Construction, Millard Lumber, Stonebrook Exterior, Pella Windows and Doors, and BluCor Construction Group. Several students’ families also contributed materials and support.

For Watson, seeing the students apply their knowledge to a project with real-world impact — and do so in service of others — was a rewarding full-circle moment.

“(The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's City Campus) is like a small town, with so many people going out from here and building lives. But what goes around comes around, right?” Watson said. “The students literally could be changing someone’s life by building a little shed.

“I tell the students they are the ones donating. They are the ones making a difference. If you’ve tried to do a little better for someone, that can have the biggest impact.”

Originally reported by Nebraska Today.