Pasco students show off their $525K custom home. It’s the 25th built by kids
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- Pasco students built their 25th custom home through a vocational program.
- Program offers trade skills, scholarships, and industry job connections.
- Built home listed at $524K reflects rising value and hands-on student work.
Pasco High School Senior Gavin Frank is incredibly busy these days.
Between spring band concerts, classes and school events, the Bulldog percussionist doesn’t have much spare time.
“I’ll miss it. These four years flew by,” Frank said. “I was hoping they wouldn’t. But I was always told that they would, and they did.”
But the highlight of the four years has been something more unique: Alongside 40 other Pasco and Chiawana students, Frank spent nine months building a house as part of Pasco Vocational Buildings Program.
The unique program provides hard-working high school students in the Pasco School District hands-on experience, trades skills, employment connections and scholarships each year through home construction.
It hit a milestone this year as Pasco students built the 25th house in the past 28 years.
On Wednesday, the program held a dedication to recognize students, staff, community members and businesses that made this year’s project possible. An open house was held shortly after.
“I think it’s gotten better and better every year,” said instructor John Marshall. “The community’s more and more aware of it, and more and more invested in providing opportunities to the kids.”
Frank’s story is one that’s being heralded by the program and his peers. He’s been offered a minimum 3-month paid apprenticeship with Bouten Construction to work on the new aquatics center in Pasco. Between hours and benefits, he’ll earn more than $40 an hour.
He said he’s excited to get started. Throughout the year, the group learned valuable home construction skills, including framing, setting windows and proper tool etiquette.
Frank originally wanted to go to school to be a music teacher, but he fell in love with carpentry after his friends convinced him to take the class.
“This is a great opportunity, and I love this class,” he said.
Other students are pursuing careers in the military, mechanical engineering and welding, Frank said.
The Vocational Buildings Program Board has awarded more than $273,800 in scholarships to students since 1999. More than $17,000 was given out this year to students pursuing post-secondary education opportunities or to buy tools to enter the workforce.
Team Pasco Home 2025
The 2025 Team Pasco home is at 8413 Ashen Drive. The custom-built home is also listed on the market for $524,900.
That’s a tad higher than the average May price in the Tri-Cities of $445,000. But those involved say the Ashen place is competitive for its location and square footage.
The 2,016-square-foot house features three bedrooms, flex room, covered patio, laundry room and a two-car garage in one of the Tri-Cities’ fastest growing neighborhoods.
Brandon Potts, the vocational board vice president and vice president of Bouten Construction Tri-Cities, said the U.S. skilled labor market is facing pressures from a rapidly aging workforce and fewer young replacements.
“A big part of this program is exposing students to the trades and preparing them to take the next step in their careers, should they choose to get into construction,” he said.
Dozens of sponsors and partners have donated funds, resources, materials, labor and expertise to the program.
Marshall said students have consistently demonstrated “a strong work ethic, outstanding leadership, and a positive attitude no matter the challenge.” Working months alongside one another, they also form tight bonds and strong memories that will be cherished for decades.
Elijah Stach, a Chiawana High School senior, says it’s been an incredibly impactful and fun program, and has helped students get a foot in the door to several important companies.
“But the most valuable thing that I’ve gained from this class is the new friends,” Stach said. “The people that I met during the past two years have led to be some of the best and most kind people I’ve ever met... I actually come to school excited to go to this class due to all the amazing people and new skills I gain daily.”
One couple who bought a home in 2007 built by vocational students dropped by to see the Ashen home.
Mary and Jaime Cardona say they’re still in love their three-bedroom, two-bath abode on Desert Plateau Drive, and are delighted to see students still doing industry-leading work.
It’s also nice to see the modern amenities. Their home originally came with solar panels and a tax credit, a “very good deal,” says Jaime Cardona.
“This is a great program. That’s why we bought the house, it’s to support the students and program,” he explained.
This year, about four of the 40 vocational students are girls. Marshall says that number is about average, and that they’re always looking to grow female representation.
This story was originally published May 28, 2025 at 5:42 PM.
