Members of the Norfolk Area Home Builders Association stand with Northeast Community College Building Construction students and instructors, reflecting on the association’s continued support through scholarships, equipment investments, and SkillsUSA involvement.
The Norfolk Area Home Builders Association continues to play a vital role in supporting students in Northeast Community College’s Building Construction program through long-standing financial contributions, scholarships, and hands-on support that help students prepare for careers in the skilled trades.
Since 2004, the Norfolk Area Home Builders Association has donated nearly $130,000 to support Northeast’s Building Construction program. Those funds have been directed toward student scholarships and supporting new and upgraded equipment that enhances hands-on learning opportunities for students. A portion of that investment included $30,000 toward the college’s Applied Technology Building.
Each year, the association awards six $1,000 scholarships to Northeast students enrolled in Building Construction, Electrical Construction and Control, and HVAC programs. Four of those scholarships are designated specifically for Building Construction students. The association also recently contributed $4,000 to help offset expenses incurred by Northeast students who competed in the 2025 National SkillsUSA Conference.
In addition to direct financial support, the Home Builders Association provides ongoing assistance tied to student engagement activities, including support for student raffles connected to the Home Garden and Outdoor Expo. For the 2026 Home Show, the association provided funding for a job site radio awarded as a second-place prize and four $100 coupons to the Home Builders Fireworks stand for a third-place prize.
“The support we receive from industry partners like the Norfolk Area Home Builders Association is essential to our students’ success,” said Ryan Hobza, building construction instructor at Northeast Community College. “Their investment helps students build confidence, strengthen their technical skills, and connect their education to real career pathways.”
Through its continued involvement, the Norfolk Area Home Builders Association also supports Northeast students’ participation in SkillsUSA, a national organization that helps students develop technical skills, leadership abilities, and professional competencies aligned with industry standards. SkillsUSA competitions allow Building Construction students to apply classroom learning in real-world scenarios while showcasing their skills at the local, state, and national levels.
Northeast Community College’s Building Construction program emphasizes safety, hands-on learning, and industry-relevant training, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce or continued education. Partnerships with local industry organizations help ensure curriculum relevance and provide meaningful connections between students and employers across the region. Support from organizations such as the Norfolk Area Home Builders Association reflects a shared commitment to student success, economic vitality, and the future of the skilled trades.
