Constructing Futures from the Ground Up

Constructing Futures from the Ground Up

• Students
• 06/09/2026

"If someone watched your daily routine, would they believe the goals that you say you have?" Dawson Ingram, HCCTP Program Manager asked.

He continued, "These students have spent 14 weeks showing me, as well as themselves and each other, how many daily habits they're either willing to shed, gain, or improve on for the sake of their career goals."

The 2026 Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) at Rock Valley College (RVC) celebrated its spring graduates on June 5 in the ERC Performing Arts Room.

Dawson began the ceremony by welcoming guests and expressing his immense gratitude towards family, friends, staff, and industry guests for their continued encouragement and support, a driving force that helps each student succeed.

Since 2010, the HCCTP program has provided a free pathway into the skilled trades for first-generation students across Northern Illinois. Fully funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation, the program offers 450 hours of intensive, hands-on training, equipping participants with the skills and industry certifications needed to pursue local union apprenticeships and launch stable, well-paying careers in building, commercial, and highway construction.

Following his opening remarks, students were invited to share their experiences in the program.. Each of them reflected on transformative moments throughout their journey, emphasizing accountability and the impact of staying focused amid life's challenges.

One of the students, Lee Montoya, shared, "The biggest lesson I learned was the importance of being on time, staying attentive, and taking initiative," he expressed. "Hearing from plumbers, pipefitters, linemen, roofers, and painters taught me that every day is an interview and that you have to earn your seat through hard work and dedication. This program prepared me to pursue a career in the skilled trades with confidence."

Beyond just academic lessons, their stories were about overcoming personal setbacks, and redefining their goals, as well as cultivating lifelong friendships and support systems along the way.

Building on last year's success, the program once again achieved a 100 percent completion rate, with all 12 students finishing the cohort, a reflection of both student perseverance and strong program support.

"I am not sure if students are accurately aware of just how many people at this college are willing to go to bat for them. So, thank you for your support, it's life changing," Dawson emphasized.

Before the award presentation, he took a moment to celebrate the students' unique journeys by recognizing how much they've grown and reminding them that their hard work did not go unnoticed.

Class 29, HCCTP graduates include:

• Joseph Bolden
• Christopher Buckley
• Khaley Caruthers
• Gregory Gabucci
• Emma Hague
• Raymond Landingham
• Jordan McLelland
• Lee Montoya
• Diego Pina
• Nathan Simms
• Alexander Tovar
• Isaiah Williams-Wallen

These accomplishments serve as a reminder of how access to education, community support, and resilience can create meaningful pathways forward.

This impact would not be possible without the vital support of their community partners, industry leaders, and building trades organizations working behind-the-scenes to drive the program's success.

"The effort you put into HCCTP is a testament of how much you care for yourself and are willing to work for your future. And by doing so, you are allowing yourself so many more opportunities,"

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