Fresh Start Academy is an intensive, hands-on program teaching woodworking, life skills, and job readiness through real-world projects and mentorship.
118
INDIVIDUALS WELCOMED TO FRESH START ACADEMY
$182K
DONATIONS SINCE
INCEPTION
100%
YTD ACADEMY GRADUATION RATE
HBI PACT CORE
PARTNERSHIP
The HBI PACT CORE program is a nationally recognized pre-apprenticeship training curriculum designed to equip students with essential skills for careers in the building trades. It provides vocational and academic training, covering areas such as life skills, career development, and hands-on training.
The program is structured around STEM education and aligns with NAHB’s Green Building Standard™ and National Skills Standards. At Fresh Start Worx, this program is taught in both a classroom and shop setting, allowing students to gain practical experience in a controlled environment. Each cohort consists of 6 to 12 students, ensuring individualized attention and a supportive learning experience.
The curriculum includes instructor training and certification, student workbooks, and access to an online learning management system, all designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the construction industry.
FAQs about the academy
Ricardo Santiago
Academy Director
Ricardo is a lifelong Connecticut resident and a dedicated advocate for second chances. With over 15 years of carpentry experience, Ricardo’s journey has been shaped by real-life challenges—he has navigated incarceration and loss in his community due to violence and addiction. Having personally faced many of the obstacles his students encounter, Ricardo’s commitment to Fresh Start Worx runs deep.
He completed the Fresh Start Academy while in recovery and was hired by Fresh Start upon graduation. After pursuing a valuable opportunity working as an exhibit builder, he chose to return to Fresh Start to lead the program as Academy Director. Ricardo believes that with the right support and opportunity, everyone deserves a fresh start and the chance to rebuild their lives through skilled trade training and professional growth.
