student using nail gun in construction — Students in the Career and Technical Education Department programs are trained for their future careers through real-world experience, like building tiny homes. (Huffman High School)

Students at Huffman High School have put in some significant elbow grease on a project to create solar-powered homes, but the work isn’t finished yet.

The school’s Career and Technical Education Department is leading a project in partnership with UAB to educate students through hands-on learning about renewable energy and workforce readiness.

“Huffman High Students, in partnership with UAB, are leading the way in sustainable design and innovation. This is a powerful example of how education and community partnerships prepare our scholars for success in the modern workforce.”
Dr. Mark Sullivan, Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools

Group of people standing outdoors in front of partially finished tiny home — Students pose in front of one of the partly-constructed solar-powered tiny home. (Huffman High School)

Huffman students have completed four total tiny homes, but the most recent is completely solar-powered.

The tiny home will eventually be relocated to UAB’s campus within the Solar House and Sustainable Community, a demonstration site that showcases:

Solar energy
Microgrid technology
Overall sustainable living practices

Modern kitchen with staircase and shelves — The interior of the solar-powered tiny home. (Huffman High School)

UAB plans to expand the community by adding three additional tiny homes to the site, which will all be constructed by Huffman students. The project is funded by the EBSCO Community Impact Fund with in-kind support provided by CCE Engineering.

Securing a healthier + smarter future

This isn’t UAB’s first partnership with Huffman High School.

In 2024, sports medicine providers at the university partnered with Bama Wellness Advocacy to launch a nutrition program for Birmingham City Schools athletes.

“These young athletes are catalysts for change in their communities, specifically when it comes to prioritizing their health.

“Their impetus for change has already influenced their family members and community members to take steps to protect their health, and we hope that impact continues to expand as we grow this program.”
James Jones, head athletic trainer for the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Birmingham City Schools

The program was designed to emphasize:

Significance of proper nutrition
Importance of sleep + mental health
The overall well-being + performance of student-athletes

Huffman and Ramsey High Schools’ basketball programs were in the initial pilot program, which has since expanded to serve more students in football, basketball and spring sports teams across Birmingham City Schools in 2025.

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