Skip the Debt, Build the Future with Trades

Why More Students Are Choosing Trades Over College—and How Surf Skate Science Is Helping

For years, the path to success was painted with one brush: go to college, get a degree, and hope to land a decent job. But today’s students—and parents—are waking up to a new reality. The cost of higher education has skyrocketed nearly 170% between 1980 and 2020, pushing student debt to crisis levels. Meanwhile, there’s a booming demand for skilled tradespeople—and many of those jobs start at $50,000–$70,000+ right out of high school.

That’s why we are developing Skateparkitecture™. As trades are gaining traction as a creative, effective alternative to traditional education models, we are using skateparks as real-world classrooms where students learn architecture, construction, engineering, woodworking and skilled trades in a way that’s active, exciting, and career-connected.

From Skateparks to Skilled Trades

Whether students are learning the science of concrete, the precision of CAD design, or the flow of skatepark curves, Skateparkitecture™ gives them the tools to build something real. They’re not just hearing about physics—they’re applying it. They’re not just learning geometry—they’re using it to design bowls, ramps, and rails.

And each spring, students get hands-on with woodworking through our annual Create-A-Skate project, where they design, shape, and sand their own custom skateboard decks. Using real tools and techniques, they learn safety, craftsmanship, and design thinking—while creating something they can actually ride.

These experiences are more than fun—they’re foundational.

Through our partnership with  Skate4Concrete, students can earn a FREE concrete certification, giving them a professional credential while still in middle or high school.

That’s a real career starter—especially in Florida’s booming construction economy.

Our collaboration with ACE Mentoring of South Florida takes it even further. This free after-school program connects high schoolers with top professionals in the architecture, construction, and engineering industries. Students work on real design projects with mentors from firms like Moss, Suffolk, and AECOM, gaining skills, connections, and confidence. Many go on to win college scholarships.

Our students recently placed 2nd in the ACE Dream School Challenge, competing against students across one of the nation’s largest school districts. They took on roles as architects, engineers, and project managers to design a future-ready educational facility from scratch. It was an incredible example of what young people can do when given the right tools, mentors, and vision.

Real Families. Real Futures.

This isn’t theory for us—it’s personal.

Our oldest son dual-enrolled in Atlantic Technical College during high school, completing the Architectural Drafting program. Not only did he graduate with a drafting license, but he also earned a full scholarship to FAU’s School of Architecture—thanks to his involvement with ACE. That drafting license allowed him to pay his own living expenses through college, and today, he’s a project manager at a high-end residential firm in Delray Beach.

Our youngest son is graduating next week with his Welding Certification—also from Atlantic Tech. He already has multiple job offers on the table, many paying more than his siblings: one in grad school for child psychology, the other deep into the architecture profession.

The National Shift Toward Trades

This isn’t just a local story. Trade school enrollment is rising over 20% annually as more high school students opt out of the college debt cycle. Meanwhile, the demand for electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, and carpenters continues to climb, driven by an aging workforce and booming construction needs.

Jobs in these fields are AI-proof, recession-resilient, and urgently needed. Even better? Many of them come with paid apprenticeships, certifications, and little to no student debt.

Homeschoolers, You’re Invited To Build the Future with Trades Too

One of the best-kept secrets in Florida is that homeschool students can dual enroll at local technical colleges—just like ours did. That means your student can graduate high school with a state-certified license in drafting, welding, HVAC, culinary arts, IT, and more. And yes—it’s free.

We work with students across public, charter, private, and homeschool settings to ensure everyone has access to these opportunities. Through Surf Skate Science and our ACE MEntoring, Skate4Concret and Skateparkitecture™ programs, we’re building the bridge between curiosity and career—one ramp, one weld, one blueprint at a time.

Let’s build something different.

"Studies show nearly 1 in 4 construction workers are older than 55. With retirement on the horizon for this group, it comes as no surprise that the construction industry continues to face a labor shortage."

At Surf Skate Science, we believe education should prepare students not just for a test—but for life. Whether your child wants to become an architect, a welder, woodworker or a civil engineer, there’s more than one way to the future. Skateparkitecture™ is proof.

Want to learn more or get involved?Visit surfskatescience.com or email us at info@surfskatescience.com.