Building Futures: History Teacher Charlie Grossman Leads Students in Service with Twin Cities Habitat

Every May, history teacher Charlie Grossman and his juniors and seniors from Breck School embark on a two-week journey that impacts both the students and the community. For the past 17 years, Grossman has led this annual service project in collaboration with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, creating a tradition of hands-on learning and community service.

The Start of a Meaningful Tradition

Grossman, who has taught at Breck for 18 years and also serves as a Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity board member, recalls how the tradition began.

"My first year of teaching, a couple of seniors asked if I wanted to do a Habitat build with them,” Grossman reminisces. “They needed a teacher to chaperone, and as the young teacher, they thought I would be fun to do it."

Despite having no prior construction experience, he agreed, and the rest is history.

A Unique May Program

The May Program at Breck School (modeled after a college J-term) allows juniors and seniors to participate in various activities after finals, including internships, language trips, and service projects. Among these, the Habitat build has become a standout option. 

"It's self-selecting," Grossman explains. "Students pick what they want to do, and those who choose Habitat raise about $650 each to participate."

The fundraising aspect doesn’t just cover costs. It also develops communication and persuasion skills. 

"It challenges kids to start thinking about fundraising—how to ask for money and who to go to," Grossman says. 

The money raised supports Twin Cities Habitat’s mission and gives students a sense of ownership and accomplishment before they step onto the build site.

Hands-On Learning and Personal Growth

The build projects vary each year, from constructing single-family homes to modifying multifamily units. Grossman describes the transformation he sees in his students. 

"On day one, they have no idea what they're doing,” Grossman says. “By the end of the first week, they’re setting up tools, measuring, and cutting wood with precision. It's true experiential hands-on learning."

Participating in a Habitat build is more than just manual labor. It helps students develop new skills, gain confidence, and see the tangible results of their work. Grossman knows that even the simplest actions from a build can shape young lives. 

"There was a student with learning challenges who joined the build,” Grossman recalls. “He would just pound nails for hours and loved it. Years later, he told me it was the best experience he had in high school."

Building Community and Connections

Grossman and his students have worked on projects across the Twin Cities metro, from North Minneapolis to Chaska. The diversity of locations and tasks keeps the program exciting and educational. 

"This year, we were in South Minneapolis working on a brand-new build,” Grossman recalls. “By the end of our two weeks, the first-floor walls were up. The students could see the progress and feel proud of what they had accomplished."

The impact of these projects can stick with students for years. Many students continue to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity after they graduate. 

"One student went to Tulane and volunteered with the New Orleans Habitat chapter," Grossman says. "It's great to see that the experience stays with them."

Joining the Board and Expanding Opportunities

Grossman's involvement with the May Program, along with his dedication to the cause, led to his position on the Twin Cities Habitat board, where he brings an educator’s perspective. 

"I love Habitat,” he exclaims. “Providing affordable housing is as fundamental a thing as you could possibly do.

As a board member, Grossman advocates for more opportunities for students and schools to get involved with Twin Cities Habitat’s mission. He’s particularly excited about Habitat’s collaboration with the Black Men Teach initiative, which aims to provide housing for Black teachers. 

"It's really important to have representation in the classroom," he notes.

A Legacy of Service and Learning

Charlie Grossman’s commitment to service and education has created a lasting legacy at Breck School. Each year, new students take up the challenge, eager to contribute and learn. 

"There’s always an appetite for participating," Grossman says. "Seeing students excited to sign up again and recruit their peers is the beauty of it."

Participating in a Habitat build is a unique and rewarding experience. Students learn to use power tools, work as a team, and gain practical skills and a sense of accomplishment. They leave with more than just memories—they gain a deeper understanding of community, service, and the impact they can make in the world.