Damon DiFabio is a longtime educator from Colorado Springs who took the helm of BuildStrong Academy of Colorado in the summer of 2019, after finishing his sixth year as Principal at Career Readiness Academy in District Two in Colorado Springs.

BuildStrong Academy offers construction courses, and an eight-week bootcamp to train people with no prior construction experience for a career in the industry.

When looking to establish a satellite campus in Colorado Springs, DiFabio contacted Renee Zentz, CEO, Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs . Renee introduced DiFabio to Art C. Klein Construction. With minimal meetings and a quick inventory by Art C. Klein, a space that fit the bill was donated for BuildStrong Academy’s use. Since that time, more than 47 students have graduated through this satellite program using a portion of the warehouse/workshop at the offices.

“We could not have established this campus without two things: First, the space to host our evening classes for our bootcamp. The folks at Art C. Klein have been so fantastic to supply this very important piece; and second, Cliff Hunter who heads up Project Diaconia. Cliff is the one recruiting in the Colorado Springs area working primarily with young adults who have been involved in the justice system,” said DiFabio. “It’s a very successful program because of the time, energy and generosity of these partners.”

“In fact, we have enjoyed the success of this partnership so much we decided to give an award to Art C. Klein because of their incredible generosity,” said DiFabio. “We drove down earlier this month and were in the shop where all of this cool stuff is going on and just wanted to make a statement about the level of appreciation we have for them.”

To learn more about Art C. Klein, visit here.

If you are interested in or would like to refer a candidate for this program, contact Damon DiFabio or Cliff Hunter