What began as a class project to teach students the basics of construction has evolved into a celebration of teamwork, community engagement and hands-on learning.
Through Emmeline Watson’s CNST 242: Vertical Construction course, students build Sheds for Hope outside Kiewit Hall to raise money for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity while gaining practical construction experience.
“What continues to amaze me about this project, and also is very humbling, are the number of people who come together to support our students and our community,” said Watson, assistant professor of practice in the Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction. “Watching professionals donate their time to teach and encourage students is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.”
Sheds for Hope is a community-engaged construction project where students gain real-world experience framing walls and floors, installing roofing systems, and adding siding, windows and doors. While the project raises funds for community organizations, it also helps prepare the next generation of construction professionals and creates connections between students and industry partners.
“Students learn about construction, building everything from the foundation to the roof,” Watson said.
For many students, the course provides a first opportunity to use construction tools and materials. Watson teaches students the basics, including what a 2-by-4 is and how treated lumber is used. For students with prior construction experience, such as Vince Grenier, the course provides an opportunity to build on existing skills.
“I enjoy a project like this as much for myself as I do for class,” said Grenier, a senior construction management student from Omaha. “Everyone’s trained regardless of experience on safety and knowing how to use power tools. You shouldn’t be managing a construction project without knowing the basics of using power tools.”
Sheds for Hope has also evolved into an educational research initiative. Through a partnership with the Engineering and Computing Education Core, the college is studying how experiential learning impacts students’ sense of belonging within the construction industry, the Durham School and the College of Engineering.
“This work is part of the College of Engineering’s Cook Faculty Teaching Fellows Program and is helping us better understand how hands-on, community-engaged learning experiences contribute to student success,” Watson said. “We are examining how these experiences influence student engagement, persistence and retention.”
After building nine sheds and a doghouse in 2025 while raising $5,000 for Hope Village, the 2026 Sheds for Hope project continued that success. A total of 115 students built 11 sheds that were auctioned to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln. Through the auction and donations, the project raised more than $10,000.
“Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln worked closely with us throughout the process, and faculty, staff and students from the college and the Design Hub in Kiewit Hall played an important role in the project,” Watson said.
Watson praised industry partners Kiewit, Mortenson, Sampson Construction, Holder Construction, Chester Construction, Watts Electric, Watkins Concrete Block, Pella Windows & Doors, BluCor Construction Group, Millard Lumber, Perry Reid Construction, Stonebrook Exterior, ABC Supply Co., Clark & Enersen and others for donating materials, equipment and volunteer hours.
She noted that support for the project extended beyond Nebraska, with professionals traveling from as far away as West Virginia to help.
“The success of Sheds for Hope demonstrates what can happen when industry, academia and community organizations work together toward a common goal,” Watson said.
