The community gathered at D38's Career & Innovation Center (CIC) on Sept. 17 to celebrate the opening of the new facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Among those in attendance were numerous D38 staff and Board Directors, current and former state and local representatives, members of the media, building and design partners, and dozens of community members.
Students representing various programs and organizations housed at the CIC were also on hand to guide tours and provided information about the different areas of the facility and the projects students will be working on.
The ceremony began with remarks from several D38 representatives, including Amy Sienkowski, the district's Director of Innovative Programs who oversees the CIC.
"We opened Phase 1 of this facility in August with classes in three career pathways that align with some of today’s most in-demand jobs: Advanced Manufacturing, Skilled Trades, and Engineering. Here at the CIC, students will have the opportunity to earn industry certificates, and graduate ready to enter the workforce, or continue their education in these fields at the college and trade school level," Sienkowski said.
Phase 2 of the project will also provide pathways for students in Healthcare and Computer Science.
D38 is also currently utilizing a wing of the new facility for Transition Services, which serves students ages 18–21 and focuses on developing life and vocational skills to help students with special needs prepare for life after high school.
A unique aspect of the new facility is that it is located in what’s called a designated Enterprise Zone. This means individuals and businesses can make financial donations to help purchase future equipment, supplies, and other needs, and in return, receive a significant tax credit.
The CIC is designed to reflect the values and priorities of the Tri-Lakes Area while remaining agile and responsive to today’s ever-changing workplace. Although its primary focus is providing secondary students with relevant coursework and immersive experiences, the programming will engage all students and broader community members. Whether for interactive experiences within the pathways for younger learners or access to the various spaces for meetings, team building or upskilling/reskilling initiatives for the broader community, D38 intends to serve many individuals in our school district and community with this new facility.