Help More Youth Like Jake Build Their Futures!

Jake working with GiveNOLA Logo

Jake giving a Thumbs up with aaron

Jake looking at the camera on a build site

When Jake first joined unCommon Construction, he was looking for another extracurricular. A friend who was also homeschooled had suggested the program, and at 16, he thought it might be fun to try.  He didn’t have much knowledge about construction, but after three semesters of hands-on experience, Jake realized he loved building more than he expected.

Originally planning to attend college on an ROTC scholarship for engineering, Jake decided to put that on hold. Instead, he took a gap year to work on residential builds in Arkansas—and stayed for two years. "I just learned so much," he says. "When you start at the bottom and work your way up, you have a different perspective."

Returning to New Orleans, Jake explored his options and shadowed a neighbor working in restoration construction. That opportunity led to a promotion from Superintendent to Project Manager within a year. Now, he’s planning to own his own construction company and get training in estimating.

“I never would have found what I loved if it wasn’t for unCommon Construction,” Jake shares. “I was going to go to college for something I wasn’t interested in. uCC showed me how cool new construction is.”

Your support makes stories like Jake’s possible. Join him in making a difference by donating today and helping more youth like Jake discover their potential!

P.S. When you give $500 or more, you can become a part of the Hammer & Nails Society, joining a special group of donors who are building futures in the trades.