AURORA | The Cherry Creek School District ceremonially broke ground Wednesday to expand the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus, a move set to revolutionize career and technical education for high school students, officials said.
“We’re thrilled that the community is supporting us in this way,” said Steve Day, Innovation Campus principal. “This expansion means we can provide even more students with the opportunity to connect their identities to real careers and change their lives.”
Now in its sixth year, the Innovation Campus is gearing up to serve 70% more students in grades 10-12, because of a $950 million bond measure approved by voters in November 2024. Day said the expansion will grow the school from 1,800 to 3,200 students with the addition of a new building on its campus.
The $100 million expansion to the campus is estimated to open in August 2026. It will introduce nine new in-demand career pathways, enhance hands-on learning opportunities and solidify the campus as a hub for student success.
The new additions will include programs in advanced electronics, aerospace engineering, creative industries (film, editing, sound, production), emergency medical technician (EMT), veterinary medicine, HVAC, welding, baking and pastries and an expansion of auto mechanics and manufacturing.
Currently, the Innovation Campus offers pathways in advanced manufacturing, business services, health and wellness, hospitality and tourism, infrastructure and engineering, IT and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), and transportation (automotive and aviation).
Day said the expanded campus will also feature a 500-person events center, enhancing the culinary and hospitality programs by providing students with real-world, hands-on learning experiences.
The decision to implement these programs was prompted by voter support, a deep dive into labor market data and student interests, Day said.
“We primarily looked at eighth-grade data because that’ll be the core group of students who are here when it opens,” Day said. “We also did extensive research on local, regional and national trends over five and ten-year periods to understand where the job market is headed.”
One standout addition Day noted is the EMT training program, which offers hands-on education in a field resistant to automation. Programs like these empower students to make informed decisions about their future careers while preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce, Day said.
Since its inception in 2019, the Innovation Campus has garnered national and international acclaim. HundrED, an organization dedicated to advancing education, named it one of the top 100 innovative programs globally and one of the top 10 in the U.S.
“It’s going to be students excited about possible careers that are going to turn into potentially great employees in our community,” Day said. “We’re so excited about what this means for our community.”
Graduates have already seen significant success. Day said that one construction program alumnus was named employee of the quarter at GH Phipps, while another launched an auto shop earning over $160,000 annually. On-time completion rates also increase with students in Career and Technical Education, like the Innovation Campus, Day said.
“This expansion will allow even more students to connect their passions to real careers and transform their lives,” said Superintendent Christopher Smith.
The Innovation Campus program allows students to spend a portion of their school day immersed in career-focused coursework and training, ranging from construction to automotive technology.
Current construction student Gavin Poland shared his enthusiasm for the hands-on learning opportunities.
“I think it’s really fun,” he said. “I’ve loved to do hands-on things ever since I was little.”
Gavin advises future students to “take advantage of the great opportunities,” and he’s excited his little brother will get to take the courses on the expanded campus when he’s old enough.
Smith and Day emphasized the importance of student input and safety when asked about programs like construction and welding.
“Our students had a voice in choosing these pathways,” Smith said. “Safety is always our top priority, especially in construction-focused programs.”
The school’s expansion represents more than just physical growth — it’s an investment in the future of Cherry Creek students.
“This is an opportunity for students to pursue college, careers or both,” Smith said. “It’s about providing choices and pathways to success.”
Day and Smith clarified that the new campus will continue to empower students, ensuring they graduate ready to thrive in higher education or enter the workforce with the skills and confidence needed to succeed.
“This is just another opportunity for students, whether they want to go to college or they would rather do a career,” Smith said. “This is a pathway. It’s a choice, and you can do both.”