Building for the future

Aaron Davis dropped out of high school in Denver because he didn't like sitting in a classroom. Now Davis is preparing to take the General Equivalency Diploma test while he acquires construction skills - all in a learning environment in which he feels comfortable.

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Davis is part of Young Alaskans Building Affordable Housing, a program designed to help youth gain work experience while building a home. Participants went on a two-day retreat this week, splitting their days between work and study sessions, and kayaking and fishing excursions at the Eagle Valley Center. The group plans to begin a remodeling project in August and is looking to secure a plot of land for building.