What is CTF?

    Montgomery County Students Construction Trades Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit foundation established cooperatively by the Montgomery County business and professional community and Montgomery County Public Schools to promote and encourage the interests of career education related to construction. Students actively participate each year in the Young American Design/Build Project.

     The Construction Technology Programs consist of courses in:

    •  Electricity
    •  Masonry
    •  HVAC
    •  Carpentry
    •  Plumbing
    •  Principles of Architecture and CAD Technology

    This unique experience brings together various specialized career education programs. Through the design and construction of a house, students gain the satisfaction of participating in a real-life project.

    The Young American Student Design/Build House Project begins with the Annual Design Competition in which local architects, developers, and contractors review the house design plans submitted by students from Principles of Architecture and CAD Technology Program. Students enrolled in Construction Technology Programs then build the selected design. Upon completion, the house is dedicated at the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony where the public is invited to tour the house. The house is then placed on the market for sale.

    Since the Foundation began in 1976, students in the program have been involved in the design and construction of 42 homes.  We have built homes in Silver Spring, Rockville and also Bethesda. 

    All proceeds from the sale of the Young American houses are returned to the program to cover the cost of additional land, land development, construction expenses, as well as the financing of student scholarships and awards.

    The Montgomery County Students Construction Trades Foundation Inc. has been the recipient of many awards for program excellence. Recently the program has been profiled both within the print and television media. It continues to be a support to other educational institutions that are starting or updating their programs.

     

    Program Testimonials

      Gil Cohen1 Gil Cohen, Edison High School Graduate

     

    Rebecca Flores Rebecca Flores, Edison High School Graduate


    "I never enjoyed my home school courses. My experience at Thomas Edison and with the Construction Trades Foundation was incredibly life changing; I was able to shape my goals and dreams and become successful in my own way.”  “The life after High School is not an easy place, but with the right guidance and pathway, which you can gain at Thomas Edison and with the CTF, you will be very grateful of what they have provided you.”  
    Camila Munoz
    2010 graduate; completed 2 years CTF Carpentry Program

     

    "Last year I began my construction education with my architecture class at Blake HS, followed by a Foundations of Building Technology class and then a Carpentry class, both at Thomas Edison HS of Technology. I will now attend Montgomery College, where I will use my CTF Scholarship for Construction Management.  I would recommend any student to enroll in this CTF construction program…especially girls!"
    Grace Mlingi
    2011 graduate; completed 1 ½ years CTF Program