Most recently a major, multi-year youth training project has been established in Socorro, Texas. The traditional skills training revolves around restoration of the old Socorro Mission, which is one of the most important cultural landmarks in the area. Youth will learn skills that enhance their employability, while they restore the Mission as a cultural and community center. About twelve students from an alternative high school in Socorro have participated in the program thus far. Community Workshops Cornerstones disseminates important technical information regarding the restoration and maintenance of historic buildings to a large number of people very efficiently through one and two day community workshops on various topics of adobe preservation.
Education is the key to success and sustainability of community-based preservation projects.
Participants can take skills learned in the workshops and teach them to others in their communities. Each year, a few workshops are scheduled in different parts of the state and surrounding area. Cornerstones invites community people from the region who have a need for the particular information provided in each workshop. As a companion tool to the workshops, Cornerstones has published the Adobe Architecture Conservation Handbook. The intended result of all this training is to arm community members with the information and skills that give them the confidence to do the important work of preserving their historic community buildings, as well as their own private residences.