This past month, TC Futures staff went back to school in a unique way – equipped with woodworking tools, bits of electronics and an artistic vision. The team was getting ready to learn how to build their own custom guitars. It’s a learning opportunity they will soon be offering to their students.
The unique learning experience is being brought to TC Futures with some help from Career Path Services, one of their partner agencies. Career Path Services invested $10,000 in high-quality guitar-building kits and will also assist with teaching the upcoming classes. It was in preparation to teach the course that TC Futures staff participated in the hands-on guitar building workshop. Typically, a semester long project, the TC Future staff went through the entire course in one week.
“It was hard work, but it was a really rewarding experience,” said TC Futures Director Melanie Olson.
The guitar building class will teach students real-world skill building, giving them a chance to explore different high-wage, high-demand career pathways they may not otherwise encounter.
“This initiative prepares youth for future success in a meaningful and memorable way,” said Cynthia Garcia, Executive Director of the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council (BFWDC). BFWDC is one of the agencies TC Futures partners with, along with Career Path Services, to bring educational opportunities to youth and young adults (ages 16-24) working on finishing their education and/or connecting with employment opportunities.
To learn about guitar building, TC Futures staff had the privilege of working alongside two nationally recognized master guitar builders – Ed Ufford and David Lake, both CTE teachers in our region.
Ed Ufford, a CTE teacher at Hanford High School, teaches Wood/Manufacturing Technology, Digital Design & Fabrication, and Core + Metals Manufacturing Technology. Ufford was recently honored as the 2024 WA-ACTE and Washington Industrial Technology Education Association Teacher of the Year for his dedicated work.
David Lake, a CTE teacher at Kiona-Benton City High School, teaches Woodshop, Drafting, and Core + Metals Manufacturing Technology. Lake also teaches Introduction to Materials Engineering at Kiona-Benton City Middle School. Lake has been teaching woodworking courses for over 30 years. He also does woodworking through his business Kayaks by Dave Lake, which he started in 2003. To date he has completed nine kayaks and has received numerous awards for his work.
“Participating in the Guitar Building Workshop with Ed and Dave was magical,” said Olson. “Their passion for their craft is matched only by their desire to teach youth new skills and the life lessons that come alongside creating such beautiful art. It was inspiring to work alongside this team who are equally dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve. This was a once in a lifetime experience that I will reflect on with great fondness as it was truly one of the best experiences I have had throughout my career.”
TC Futures staff are optimistic these new classes will allow students to continue to be engaged and find more excitement in furthering their skills to prepare for their future.
“Open Doors is a performance-based program so learning STEM through guitar making is a great fit,” said Mandy Paradise, OSPI Associate Director, Re-engagement. “Experiencing content mastery, especially in math and engineering, or other areas where precision is required is something that all students deserve - though it can be difficult to make enticing. Guitar building at TC Futures offers an interesting way for students to advance their knowledge, and their pride, competency, and sense of accomplishment. That is what re-engagement is all about.”
TC Futures Specialist Chad Stephens said going through the class was about more than just building a guitar. The process was about finding a voice, building confidence and discovering something that can carry you through life.
“Music has always been a guiding force in my life, helping me through challenges and shaping who I am today,” said Stephens. “I’m excited to share that passion and knowledge with our students at TC Futures.”
TC Futures aims to start offering guitar-building classes within the next year.