What Is It Known For?
Build Strong Academy stands out as an independent educational institution, not affiliated with any larger network of state community colleges. Born from the combination of BuildStrong Education and the Colorado Construction Institute (CCI), the academy has deep roots in community improvement. Oakwood Homes started BuildStrong Education more than 20 years ago to boost educational opportunities in the Denver Metro area. CCI joined the effort in 2012, bringing construction training programs for Colorado youth and adults.
Today, Build Strong Academy operates in four locations across the United States: Colorado, Greater New Orleans, Houston, and Orlando. While exact enrollment numbers aren’t publicly available, interested students can reach out to the school directly for this information.
Degrees & Certifications
Build Strong Academy offers three tiers of training to help students gain valuable skills and industry-recognized certificates in just 12 weeks or less. The Construction Skills Bootcamp is a 6-week foundational program that focuses on tool handling, safety, and carpentry.
Students can then progress to Trade Training, a 6-8 week course specializing in a specific trade such as concrete, carpentry, or electrical. For those interested in Construction Management, the academy partners with the Community College of Aurora to provide a 1-2 semester certificate program in Estimating or Superintendent roles, with no prior experience required.
Contact the school to learn more about the courses offered there.
Class Schedules
Build Strong Academy offers flexible class schedules to accommodate various needs. During the initial six weeks, students can opt for morning classes from 8:00 am to 11:30 am or afternoon sessions from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm. The subsequent six weeks feature intensive, hands-on training from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. For those with busier day schedules, there are also 8-week evening courses available.
The focus is entirely on in-person, practical learning, with no online or externship options.
Is It Legit?
While Build Strong Academy doesn’t mention accreditation on its website, it states that the school was developed by industry leaders and is powered by HBI. To get more details about their accreditation status, it’s best to reach out to the school directly.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Build Strong Academy is not readily available.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
The majority of the training programs at Build Strong Academy are offered at little to no cost for individuals who are committed to pursuing a career in construction. The school requires a $50 deposit, which is refunded upon graduation. However, the Construction Management training may have some associated costs, but the specifics are not provided.
For more accurate information about tuition and fees, we suggest contacting the school directly.
Programs & Courses
Construction
- Home Building
- Women in Construction
- Veterans in Construction
Campus Locations
Denver 445 W 53rd Place Denver CO 80216
Kenner 2506 Williams Blvd. Kenner, LA 70062
Houston 10631 Harwin Drive, Suite 606 Houston, TX 77036
Orlando 8150 Chancellor Dr Ste 105, Orlando, FL 32809
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, BuildStrong Academy of Colorado has an exceptionally positive reputation, with an overwhelming consensus of five-star ratings. The feedback is consistently excellent and highlights the significant value the academy provides to students.
Overall Score: 4.9/5 Stars
Common Praises
Knowledgeable and Patient Instructors: The most frequent praise is for the instructors, who are described as knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated. Specific instructors like Eric White and Mark are mentioned for their patience and ability to teach effectively.
Hands-On and Practical Learning: The school is highly valued for its hands-on training, with a good mix of classroom instruction and lab work. This approach is credited with providing students with the practical skills needed to start a career in construction.
Free Tuition: A major highlight mentioned in several reviews is that the tuition is free for students committed to a career in construction, with only a refundable deposit required. This removes a significant financial barrier and makes the program highly accessible.
Career Building and Job Placement: Reviewers note that the academy not only provides technical skills but also helps with career building. The school assists with job placement and even provides students with a set of tools upon completion of the training.
Supportive and Caring Environment: The school’s culture is described as supportive, with mentors who “genuinely care about your success.” Students feel the program provides a “building block to start a career.”
Common Criticisms
No criticisms were found in the Google reviews provided. The feedback is entirely positive, with the exception of one review that expresses a personal concern about not having the funds or time to learn a new trade without income, which is not a criticism of the academy itself.
Momentum
The reviews span from eight years ago to one year ago, with a new review posted just two weeks ago. The feedback is consistently positive throughout this period, indicating a strong, sustained positive reputation. The school’s owner also actively responds to reviews, thanking graduates and encouraging them to stay connected, which demonstrates a commitment to its community.