St. Vrain Valley Schools Innovation Center provides unique classes and after-school programs

Located in Longmont, Colorado, a minute or so off of Highway 287, the St. Vrain Valley School District's Innovation Center, normally referred to as the Innovation Center, stands at the center of educational advancement and community engagement. This state-of-the-art facility, paired with an array of programs, creates an atmosphere where students can develop real-world skills and foster a culture of innovation.

The Innovation Center began in 2012 when the district received the prestigious Race to the Top Grant. This $16.6 million grant aimed to enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and personalized learning approaches within the district. The vision was to create a hub where students could engage in hands-on, professional STEM experiences through industry partnerships and paid work opportunities​.

In 2017, the Innovation Center opened its doors to a new, cutting-edge 50,000-square-foot facility located at 33 Quail Road, Longmont. This facility was made possible by a bond initiative passed in 2016. The Innovation Center has numerous specialized programs, including those for aeronautics, bioscience, and robotics, alongside an entrepreneurial zone designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

While the Innovation Center offers many classes that cater to a wide range of interests and career paths, what truly sets it apart is its after-school programs, which give students a chance to get paid while working for real industry partners.

Students can immerse themselves in fields such as aeronautics, bioscience, virtual reality and digital design, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, video arts, robotics, and STEM education​. One of the standout programs is P-TEACH (Pathways to Teaching), which prepares the next generation of educators by offering high school students the chance to earn college credits and gain firsthand teaching experience.

The Innovation Center goes beyond traditional classroom learning, offering students hands-on, experiential opportunities that are engaging and rewarding. One key benefit for students is the opportunity to gain real-world experience through paid work. This not only provides financial incentives but also makes learning more relevant and motivating. While gaining real-world experience, students can also earn college credit from many of the classes offered.

The Innovation Center is a resource for students, teachers, administrators, and the broader community. The facility includes a large Learning Commons for district-wide meetings and presentations and offers professional development opportunities for educators across all grade levels. This collaborative environment allows for the exchange of ideas and the development of new teaching methods that benefit the entire district.

The Innovation Center's success is driven by its dedicated leadership team. Axel Reitzig serves as the Executive Director of Innovation, bringing a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach to the role. Under his leadership, the Innovation Center continues to expand its offerings and maintain its reputation as a leader in innovation.

The future of the St. Vrain Valley Innovation Center is bright, with a future expansion coming in the next couple of years. With continued community support and a commitment to educational excellence, the Innovation Center is poised to remain at the forefront of innovation in education. It serves as a model for how schools can integrate advanced technology and real-world experiences into the curriculum, preparing students to become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.

The Left Hand Valley Courier will highlight some of the programs and classes offered at the Innovation Center in upcoming issues.