pK-12

A Bold Commitment to Reshape a Top Performing District: The Why, the What and the How

10/30/19

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Pam Loeffelman

Pam Loeffelman

FAIA

Principal

DLR Group

The Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) in Colorado made a bold commitment to reinvent its educational approach and prepare students differently for the workforce they’ll enter by placing greater emphasis on innovation, critical thinking skills, and advanced career-based programs. To achieve this feat, the district partnered with DLR Group to design the new Cherry Creek Innovation Campus and with local industry partners guided by the Colorado Workforce Development Council’s Colorado Talent Pipeline Report to create relevant career pathways for students. The new CCIC expands college and career preparatory opportunities currently available to 11th and 12th grade students at the district’s seven high schools and supports learners at all levels. 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. Students also will have opportunities for off-site internships and apprenticeships for hands-on experience in a variety of potential career fields.