Harbor Freight EdCorps connects skilled trades classrooms with real-world applications

Twenty-five skilled trades classrooms across the U.S. are getting the chance to connect their classroom learning with real-world application in their communities. With the guidance of Real World Scholars (RWS) and support from Harbor Freight Tools for Schools (HFTFS), these high school students operate real businesses with the help of their teachers through this learning experience.

The initiative, Harbor Freight EdCorps, began in 2018 as a pilot in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Pittsburgh and expands this year to San Diego and Phoenix. Classrooms focus on skilled trades such as welding, industrial tech, and construction. Using e-commerce technology developed by RWS, students incorporate entrepreneurship into their everyday learning and connect virtually to customers across the country.

Last year these student-driven businesses produced everything from solar-powered chicken coops to decorative metal art and hydroponics kits.

Overall, more than 150 classrooms nationwide launched EdCorps this year.