Masonry and Construction Trades Academy

Julian Brown Eyes is the President and Founder of the Masonry and Construction Trades Academy. A proud member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe and of Pacific Islander descent (Tongan), he is driven by the belief that education is a powerful tool for empowerment. His favorite quote encapsulates this philosophy: "Give a man a fish, and he will be hungry tomorrow; teach a man to fish, and he will be rich forever" (Lao Tzu), which he feels aligns closely with his vision for the academy.

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The Masonry and Construction Trades Academy aims to empower students by providing them with skills that they can carry throughout their lives. The academy's mission is to instill fundamental competencies in construction and masonry, ultimately opening doors to improved career opportunities within the building trades.

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Julian envisions a main campus located in Rapid City, South Dakota, which will serve as the hub for advanced training, paving the way for full-time employment and job placements. In addition, there will be smaller satellite schools situated on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and in neighboring areas.

The academy's curriculum will encompass a range of advanced topics, including financial management, credit management, and cultural diversity.

 

Julian aspires for every student who attends the Trades Academy to graduate with newfound confidence, recognized certifications, and preparedness for exciting new endeavors in masonry and construction.