OREGON — For the first time, Habitat for Humanity of Dane County is partnering with a school district to build an entire home.

The home construction class taught by Justin Zander at Oregon High School will build the home next school year in the Oregon Parks neighborhood. During construction, they will meet the future homeowners who are expected to put in sweat equity by working on the project.

This will be the ninth home built by the class, which usually puts them on the market.

"It’s kind of cool that we’re just building for someone else," said Dillon Urben, a junior who will be in the class next year.

It’s a win-win for everyone involved, said Perry Ecton, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Dane County.

The 15 juniors and seniors, who were accepted for the class, will build a single story home that is part of a four-unit townhouse. The other units will be built by volunteers from the Habitat for Humanity Oregon-Brooklyn satellite.

"It will be a really good experience for me as well," said Zander, who is looking forward to learning more about Habitat.

Junior Mark Lindgren, another student in Zander’s class next year, said he likes the idea of "working with people who are trying to help others."

"It will be more fun to get out of high school and build a home than be in a classroom all day," said junior Matt Marszalek.

Previously, Habitat for Humanity of Dane County has worked with students from Madison’s East and La Follette high schools on day-long construction projects. In addition, students in SkillsUSA chapters from Waunakee, Baraboo, Sauk Prairie and Watertown high schools built wall sections one day recently day for a Habitat home in Mazomanie.

Partnerships similar to the one in Oregon are being discussed at other high schools.

Each Monday the State Journal features a story about learning in southern Wisconsin. Send ideas for stories to Beth Williams at bwilliams@madison.com or call 608-252-6130.