Five students spent nine weeks gaining construction experience while helping build an affordable home on Katherine Street in Geneva through Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity's 2026 Youth Build Program.
NYSEG and the Avangrid Foundation supported the summer program, which provided hands-on instruction in residential construction, workplace safety, teamwork and the building trades. Community leaders toured the home under construction last week to see the students' work.
The program is designed to create career pathways for young people while supporting Habitat for Humanity's work to expand access to safe, affordable homeownership. The release did not specify the amount of financial support provided by NYSEG and the Avangrid Foundation.
Student intern Emmet Crawley said participants learned carpentry and construction skills, how to build accurately and how to communicate on a job site. He also credited mentors, fellow interns and volunteers with creating a supportive learning environment.
The site tour included Avangrid Foundation Executive Director Pablo Colon, NYSEG and RG&E CEO Trish Nilsen, Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity CEO Kim Brumber and Geneva Mayor Jim Cecere. Representatives from state Sen. Pam Helming's office also attended.
Helming said the program prepared young people for careers in skilled trades while helping a local family achieve homeownership. Her statement identified the family as Francheska and her daughters, Danielys and Elayanis.
Cecere said Habitat for Humanity, participating BOCES students and the Avangrid Foundation each contributed to the Katherine Street project. He said the partnership combines practical training with a path to homeownership for a Geneva family.
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