“A small house with a big message.”

It was an apt description by Doug Brazier, Drake State Community and Technical College’s dean of workforce development, during a celebration Wednesday of a partnership among the college, the North Alabama Homebuilding Academy, and Nexus Energy Center.

The event recognized the students who renovated a model tiny house, showcased the completed project, and highlighted the group effort.

“Every board, every nail, every screw was by our students,” Brazier said. “Through our partnership with the North Alabama Homebuilding Academy, it became a hands-on classroom where students developed technical skills, gained real-world experience, and contributed to a completed project they can be proud of.

“This shows what collaboration looks like in the community.”

The North Alabama Homebuilding Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit trade school in Huntsville that provides free, hands-on, short-term training for individuals seeking to enter the residential construction industry.

The house was refurbished through a $12,000 grant from Nexus Energy Center and will serve as a mobile demonstration unit promoting energy-efficiency practices across North Alabama.

“It’s a new breath of life for this home,” said Ruchi Singhal, founder and executive director of Nexus Energy Center.

Nexus is a 501( c)(3) non-profit that builds smarter energy communities in Alabama through education, conservation, and renewable initiatives.

“We love collaborating and creating solutions,” said State Sen. Sam Givhan. “Anything we can do for energy efficiency; every little bit helps.”

Givhan (R-Huntsville) was joined at the event by State Reps. Rex Reynolds and Ritchie Whorton who backed legislation to support weatherization and the project.

“Partnerships bring solutions,” said Reynolds (R-Huntsville), chair of the Ways and Means General Fund Committee. “We passed legislation to aid nonprofits in getting involved in weatherization.”

The project also demonstrates how education, industry, and nonprofit organizations can collaborate to provide workforce training.

“It’s so important what they do,” said Whorton (R-Owens Cross Roads). “Training is so important. We should have done this type of training 30 or 40 years ago.”

When the students complete the house, they earn more than job training – they gain credits toward degrees or certifications.

“There is a credit for the students and a chance for a tuition waiver,” said Audreanna McDonald, Drake State director of adult education. “This partnership and collaboration also attest to the quality of students at Drake.”

The academy, which hosted Wednesday’s event, will maintain the house and display it throughout the area.

“This project was built on collaboration,” said academy Executive Director Dr. Tommy Davis. “Nexus Energy Center provided the funding, Drake State provided the training environment, and students completed the work. The result is a resource that supports both workforce development and community education.

“It is a recognition that a rising tide lifts all boats.”