The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools supports College and Career Readiness in many ways across the district—from classroom enrichment to real-world learning experiences. One of our rapidly growing initiatives is the Toolbox Program, which creates meaningful mentorship opportunities for high school students while introducing 4th graders to skilled trades career pathways at an early age. By connecting students across grade levels through hands-on learning, the program is helping build confidence, spark curiosity, and expand awareness of future possibilities—one toolbox at a time.

Hands-On Learning, Lifelong Skills: Inside the VPS Toolbox Program

Walk into a Vancouver Public Schools (VPS) Toolbox Program event and you’ll hear the sounds of hands-on learning in action—hammers tapping, students collaborating, and excitement building with every step. What may seem like a simple woodworking activity is actually a powerful introduction to the world of skilled trades.

A Purpose Bigger Than the Project

The Toolbox Program is designed to introduce 4th-grade students across the district to trades-related experiences. Its goal is simple but impactful: help every student recognize skilled trades as a viable and rewarding post-secondary pathway.

By partnering elementary students with high school construction students, the program creates a real connection. Younger students don’t just hear about career options—they see older peers actively learning and leading. That visibility helps students imagine themselves following a similar path in high school and beyond.

From Small Start to District Impact

The program began in the 2022–23 school year as a pilot between Washington Elementary and Hudson’s Bay High School. What started small quickly gained momentum.

This year, the Toolbox Program served nearly 1,000 4th-grade students across 11 VPS elementary schools. It has also expanded beyond the school day with a Saturday “open build” at the Endeavour Technical Trades Center at Hudson’s Bay High School, welcoming 3rd–5th grade students and their families. The first open workshop brought in nearly 50 families, with plans to grow the opportunity in the coming year.

High School Students as Mentors

A defining feature of the program is the leadership of high school students. This past school year, construction trades students from Columbia River, Fort Vancouver, Hudson’s Bay, and Skyview play a central role by:

• Building toolbox kits in advance
• Traveling to elementary schools
• Teaching and guiding younger students through construction

For many high schoolers, it may be their first experience in a mentorship role—and they rise to the occasion with confidence and pride.

“Confidence is ‘built’ through building together,” said Nancy Duncan, CTE Teacher on Special Assignment. “It’s such a fun and important event.”

Hands-On Learning That Engages Everyone

One of the most notable outcomes is the level of student engagement. Every elementary student participates—no one opts out.

Students learn basic construction skills, practice tool safety with provided eye and hearing protection, and follow step-by-step instructions to complete their own toolbox. They even personalize their finished project with stickers, adding creativity to the experience.

“It’s really fun teaching the kids and having a fun activity to do with them,” said one highschooler. “We really get to learn from them too.”

The result is more than just a finished product. It’s a sense of accomplishment—and the realization that learning can be active, creative, and fun.

Powered by Community Support

The Toolbox Program is made possible through strong community partnerships. During the 2025-2026 school year, the majority of funding for materials, safety gear, and supplies came from a generous donation by Jan Oliva, with additional support from the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools.

Additional Toolbox Program Partners have included Builders FirstSource and Careers in Construction Northwest.

A Growing Pathway to the Trades

Over the past five years, enrollment in VPS construction trades programs has grown from a single class of 25 students to more than 400.

Hudson’s Bay High School also hosts the Construction Trades choice program at the new Endeavour Technical Trades Center for students throughout the district who have completed the Introduction to Construction Trades class. The Construction Trades choice program includes CorePlus construction classes (OSPI-approved state curriculum) along with engineering or architectural design coursework, giving students a head start on career-ready skills.

“We can clearly see that student interest in trades-related training is growing,” said Nancy Duncan. “We want to ensure that our elementary students are aware that they can enroll in these classes when they are old enough and that they are available in their neighborhood high school. Perhaps building a toolbox sparks a little interest in that pathway – we hope so.”

Building More Than Toolboxes

Now in its fourth year, the Toolbox Program continues to grow—and its impact is clear. It builds confidence, fosters mentorship, and introduces students to meaningful career pathways at an early age.

Most importantly, it plants a seed. For some students, building that first toolbox may be the moment they discover a passion—and begin to imagine a future in the skilled trades.