At Danielsville Elementary School, learning isn’t confined to textbooks and computer screens. And with support from HireSmart Cares, students are getting hands-on experience with construction and STEM skills that could lead to future careers.

Construction and STEM teacher Christy Hanson recently received two grants from HireSmart Cares, a Madison County-based nonprofit, to ensure students continue getting practical experience with tools and technology. The construction program received $1,386.28 for materials and equipment, while the STEM program received $190.91 for supplies.

“I want them (students) to feel confident in tackling hands-on tasks, and I hope their taste of construction in elementary school will spark an interest in more learning later in high school,” said Hanson, who has worked in the construction industry. “I want them to feel like they can take these classes as they get older.”

The construction program serves fourth and fifth graders for one semester each, teaching them valuable skills like measuring, cutting, hammering, drilling, and working with various tools and materials. Students create projects ranging from practical items for teachers to games for the whole school.

“We made footrests for the teachers,” said Hanson. “A lot of the teachers are saying they love it for their plantar fasciitis.”

The students also make tissue box covers, bath tables, and coin banks, learning real-world applications of their newfound skills.

Hanson notes how rewarding it is to see students, particularly girls, gain confidence with tools like miter saws.

“I saw a lot of them look like they’re really scared to start with, like they didn’t feel that this is something they can do,” she said. “But seeing them, especially some of the girls with a miter saw, put their hands on the tools, and see they can do it, that boosted their spirits.”

The grant helps Hanson cover the cost of wood, screws, nails, paint, cement, hammers, measuring tools, drills, sanders, saws, and safety equipment, including goggles, gloves, and masks.

Looking ahead, Hanson has plans for larger projects.

“I know some teachers have asked for more benches,” she said.

Hanson’s STEM instruction reaches an even broader audience, serving K-3 students throughout the year while fourth and fifth graders participate for one semester. Through interactive stations and hands-on activities, students explore topics like animals, building, plants, atoms, weather, balance, mathematics, human body functions, oceans, filters, and space.

“I want to make it fun for them to learn things,” said Hanson. “I want them to rotate to different things, where they can learn it in different ways.”

Her approach includes sensory bins with hidden magnetic items, kinetic sand for modeling, and even opportunities to create “snakeskin” using glue.

The STEM kits include Legos, snap circuits, Lincoln Logs, bridge kits, magnetics, toothpicks, modeling clay, popsicle sticks, glue, sand, soil, seeds, paper, bugs, microscopes, microscope slides, vinegar, baking soda, wood blocks, balls, flour, sponges, and straw.

STEM exploration stations are set up for students to rotate around the room and explore. These hands-on activities support the STEM subject of the week.

The support from HireSmart Cares helps make these hands-on learning opportunities possible. The nonprofit’s mission aligns perfectly with Hanson’s goals — preparing students for success through practical skills and hands-on experience.

Hanson emphasized how these programs address a critical need in today’s digital age where screen time often substitutes for one-on-one engagement and physical activities.

The impact is already visible.

“Everybody’s been enjoying it,” said Hanson. “Everybody’s been coming in and doing like they’re supposed to. They all feel confident. Even my fourth graders (in construction) are trying to start and do things on their own.”

Through HireSmart Cares’ continued support, Danielsville Elementary students gain more than just hands-on skills. They develop confidence, teamwork abilities, and an early introduction to potential career paths in construction, engineering, and other STEM fields.

“Many will be inspired to be the next generation of creators and builders,” said Hanson.

If you have an idea for how HireSmart can help today’s K-12 students become more job-ready, email info@hiresmartcares.org.