Del Valle ISD—Del Valle High School Career & Technical Innovation Space
Architect: Pfluger
Career Training Education focused, Addition & Renovation
Design
The concept of DNA as building blocks for the whole student resulted in a simple and economical design. Conjoined lab bays, classrooms and façade elements reinforce the coherent sequence of learning the students experience. The Career and Technical Innovation Space is prominently located and highlights the program’s integration with the campus, community and stakeholders. Glass allows natural light throughout each space and facilitates and displays the curriculum through the design.
Value
The Career and Technical Innovation Space’s robust and flexible infrastructure ensures the sustained Value of the facility into the future. Integration of the design with environmental, societal, and economic resources in the area has revitalized student involvement in community education and workforce training. CTIS accommodates heavy lab learning and allows class conversion to core curriculum spaces. Planning with the local Community College ensures seamless, shared use with adult learners.
Sustainability
The district’s reimagination of CTE encourages college and career ready graduates to pursue important roles in creating an economically and societally Sustainable Community. Innovative students can take advantage of the community’s federal designation as an Economic Opportunity Zone to pursue new careers in the local area. The school district has worked to instill resiliency, foster innovation, and cultivate collaboration towards their goal to educate the whole student.
Community
The location and aesthetic of the Career and Technical Innovation Space announces to the stakeholders the importance the district places on the programs of study housed within. The district is 90% economically disadvantaged and located within a newly appointed Economic Opportunity Zone. Local workforce development is a primary goal for a region with limited economic opportunities. Students prepare for community life earning 1000’s of hours of college credit and 1000’s of industry certifications.
Planning
The planning goals are College and Career Readiness. The requirement for College dual credit, college freshman curriculum, and industry certification tests guided the planning process. The Planning committee was comprised of regional workforce partners, local higher education partners, area businesses, workforce non-profits, and district staff. Completion of the CTIS finalizes the campus masterplan and renews interest in and cultivates collaboration between the district, students and community.
School Transformation
The CTIS’s flexible, collaborative labs and classrooms are coupled with technology to promote future ready skills. Students work in groups on projects to develop the soft skills needed and demanded by employers. The consolidation and expansion of CTIS has given identity to and transformed the perception of CTE in the community. Enrollment in the program has increased 18% and Certifications have increased 60% in 9 months. Students can pursue 21 different career paths for life post high school.
Star of Distinction Category Winner