Sen. Matthews invites Tulsans to help celebrate North Tulsa Community Construction School’s second graduation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Kevin Matthews, D-Tulsa, is inviting the public to attend the second graduation of the North Tulsa Community Construction School, which provides an educational opportunity to help former justice-involved Oklahomans rebuild their lives. The graduation is slated for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 15, at 3304 North Delaware Avenue in Tulsa.

Matthews announced the opening of the school in January of 2022, and chairs the non-profit board, Urban Innovative Development Corporation that founded the North Tulsa Community Construction School.

“The most exciting accomplishment of this class is their hands-on experience building a Habitat for Humanity home right next door to the school,” Matthews said.  “We started the class with seven students, and four were employed after only seven to eight weeks. That’s exactly what this program is about – creating second chances so that these individuals can learn a construction trade that will provide a good living, while creating new homeowners with affordable housing.”

Students in the class had the opportunity to become OSHA certified in safety the first two weeks, and had a choice of pre-apprentice programs offered by the Southwest Laborer’s Union.

“I want to thank all of our donors, supporters, volunteers and partners for the major progress we’ve made this year,” Matthews said. “We received referrals from 1st Step Male Diversion Program, and we were able to refer women to the Laborer’s Union and the WANTT program, which stands for Women Accessing Non-traditional Trades.  Habitat for Humanity deserves special thanks as well for being such a great partner. We’re inviting everyone to come meet and congratulate these graduates for their accomplishments.”

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Matthews at 918-955-2283 or Kevin.Matthews@oksenate.gov.