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Cherry Creek Breaks Ground on Expansion to Offer More Students a Pathway of Purpose and Excellence for the Future

ground breaking for CCIC 2.0On Wednesday, the Cherry Creek School District broke ground on the expansion of the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC). Now in its sixth year, the expansion project will serve 70% more 10-12th grade students from across the district. The $100 million expansion is the result of the $950 million bond measure supported by the local community in the November 2024 election.

"The expansion of the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus embodies our district’s dedication to excellence for the future and providing every student with a pathway of purpose," said Superintendent Christopher Smith. "Thanks to the support of our community through the 2024 bond measure, we’re empowering more students with access to cutting-edge, career-focused education. This expansion will prepare them for success in high-demand industries while ensuring they find meaningful, purpose-driven futures."

Estimated to open in August 2026, the expansion will also offer more in-demand, career learning across nine new pathways. Working with industry partners and local colleges and universities, the CCIC helps students to make the most of high school through direct connections to industry certifications, internships, and apprenticeships leading to additional learning opportunities that will serve them well throughout their lives.

CURRENT PATHWAYS

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Business Services
  • Health & Wellness
  • Hospitality & Tourism
  • Infrastructure & Engineering
  • IT & STEAM
  • Transportation (Automotive & Aviation)
  • Criminal Justice
  • Future Educator

NEW PATHWAYS

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Advanced Electronics
  • Creative (Film, Production, Motion Design)
  • Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Welding
  • Baking and Pastries
  • Expansion of Auto Mechanics and Manufacturing

CCIC2.0The economic impact of the CCIC is estimated at $4.1 million annually, which includes the cost savings for students in certifications and college credits as well as grants and service to the community such as the tiny home project. Today’s groundbreaking is the first of many projects to get underway as part of the 2024 bond measure, including the rebuild of Holly Ridge and Holly Hills, Laredo Middle School, and Phase I of the Cherry Creek PK-12 Campus rebuild project.

"Today marks an exciting new chapter for the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus and our entire community," said Steve Day, Principal of CCIC. "This expansion is more than just a building project—it's a commitment to our students' futures. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we’re able to create new, career pathways that will prepare our students to thrive in industries in significant demand. Together, we’re ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve success beyond high school."

The CCIC was recently recognized as one of the top 100 most impactful, innovative programs in the world and one of the top ten in the United States. CCSD is the only K-12 public school district awarded by HundrED, an international organization dedicated to improving the access and quality of education through recognizing impactful and scalable innovations.

Posted on 1/9/2025.

CCIC2.0 vet tech areaCCIC2.0 Auto area