DC3 Building Construction Students Receive Scholarships

Published November 5, 2025

CHAD awarded seven scholarships to DC3 Building Construction Technology students on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Pictured (left to right) are Gracie Beierle, sophomore, Centennial, Colo.; Patrick Shiew, DC3 Professor of Building/ Construction Technology; Jake Voss, sophomore, Concordia, Kan.; Craig Mock, CHAD Board Member; Adrik Perez, sophomore, Dodge City; Josue Fernandez, freshman, Dodge City; Kevin Navarrete, freshman, Dodge City; Loren Coval, DC3 Building/Construction Site Coordinator; Wilmer Hernandez, freshman, Dodge City, Dan Love, CHAD Board Member; Debbie Snapp, CHAD Board Member; Dr. Clayton Tatro, DC3 Vice President for Workforce Development; and Dr. Harold Nolte, DC3 President. Not pictured are Alan Lopez-Agustin, sophomore, Dodge City, and Caroline Petty, CHAD Board Member. [Photo by Lance Ziesch]

The Community Housing Association of Dodge City (CHAD) awarded seven scholarships to Dodge City Community College (DC3) Building Construction Technology students on Tuesday, Nov. 4. These awards were presented at 1409 E. Cedar Ave., the site of the students’ current building project.

Scholarships for the Spring 2026 year were awarded to students Josue Fernandez, freshman, Dodge City; Gracie Beierle, sophomore, Centennial, Colo.; Kevin Navarrete, freshman, Dodge City; Adrik Perez, sophomore, Dodge City; Alan Lopez-Agustin (not in attendance), sophomore, Dodge City; Jake Voss, sophomore, Concordia, Kan.; and Wilmer Hernandez, freshman, Dodge City.

This marks the seventh consecutive year CHAD has awarded scholarships to DC3 students, helping cover tuition and tools while preparing them for careers in construction. The partnership between CHAD and the DC3 program combines workforce development with hands-on housing projects: CHAD provides vacant lots and materials, and students contribute labor to construct homes while gaining experience in concrete, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work alongside licensed contractors.

“This program does so much more than teach construction skills; it helps students launch meaningful careers, increases our pool of qualified contractors, revitalizes blighted neighborhoods, and adds quality and affordable housing to our community,” Mollea Lightner, Assistant Director of Economic Development, said. “The students aren’t just learning how to build a house, they’re learning how to build a community. It’s a win for the students, a win for our neighborhoods, and a win for our entire region. We are proud to support these students with scholarships that remove financial barriers and encourage them to pursue essential careers in the trades.”

This year’s project is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex with a one-car garage, expected to be completed in May 2026.

By Lance Ziesch
DC3 Director of Marketing and Public Relations