Innovation Campus Under Construction in Colorado
The new Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC) is currently under construction in Greenwood Village, Colo. Nearly 50 community members, students, staff, and parents attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility.
DLR Group designed the stand-alone, central facility that houses enhanced college- and career-based programs and is open to 11th and 12th grade students district-wide. JHL Constructors is leading construction on the new facility in May 2018.
DLR Group’s design for the campus comprises a variety of learning environments and social spaces from traditional classrooms for instruction, to more intense labs and industry-specific spaces that support real-world training or trade certification programs. High-bay labs provide flexible spaces for experimentation and exploration with direct access to sheltered outdoor work areas.
As home to advanced career-based programs, the CCIC expands the career and technical program opportunities currently available to students at the District’s seven high schools.
Cherry Creek School District officials partnered with the Colorado Workforce Development Council to identify the seven career pathways available to students, including advanced manufacturing, business services, culinary/hospitality, health services, infrastructure engineering, IT/STEAM, and transportation. In addition, students will have opportunities for off-site internships and apprenticeships for hands-on experience in various potential career fields.
“We are excited to bring this truly unique college and career preparedness facility to the Cherry Creek Schools community. The Cherry Creek Innovation Campus will mimic state-of-the-art work environments with a focus on putting learners in an industry based culture and climate,” says CCIC Principal Mark Morgan. “We’ve had a lot of help from globally recognized companies to local industries located right here in our own backyard. It’s an exciting time to be a student in the Cherry Creek Schools!”
The Cherry Creek Innovation Campus is designed to accommodate a variety of learners. Students who plan to attend college can take dual enrollment courses to earn credit toward their college degree. Students who prefer to enter the workforce or military immediately can learn skills or trades that help prepare them for their careers. And students who have not decided on a career path can further explore interests and build skill sets that will give them a competitive advantage as they enter the workforce.