Brazosport ISD—Brazoswood HS CTE
Architect: VLK Architects
The community’s belief in the power of CTE is stressed as part of the new facility, replacing outdated learning environments. The design embodies the intended “Education with Purpose” empowerment for high school students and their career-focused success. “High skill and high wage” is the mantra for all students, while the district provides rigorous and real instruction in a variety of industry sectors. Corporate support, both financially and educationally, defines true partnership.
Design
Committed staff, key leaders, and community partners created the vision. Deep analyzation determined how to best situate programs to ensure instructional greenspace on the main campus. The Exhibition Hall, running throughout the building, illuminates student achievements and can host a variety of catered events with the support of the Culinary Arts Bistro. Specialized spaces for Rocketry and STEM Robotics utilize high-bay spaces and are supported with roll-up doors for optimal connectivity.
Value
Engaged students give back to society as graduates because of the programs and state-of-the-art equipment they experience. Students are excelling in a chosen field while also thriving in core academic areas. Focused attention on relevant instruction provides ownership for learning. Learning in natural light enhances the desire to work while reducing the need for artificial lighting throughout the day. Students value their skills and respect their education as they transfer to the workplace.
Innovation
Records were broken this year! An amazing 1,200 industry-based certifications were achieved due to the ease of program recruitment and powerful instruction. To date, the district has received over $5.2 million from their CTE Major Giving Campaign, due to the tours that partners received as an innovative means for increasing funds for student programs. Enrollment in CTE courses has seen its greatest increase since the opening of the spaces for student learning and career choices.
Community
A coalition of community members influenced the design and the purpose of the academic programs, ensuring all students had strong options for excellent career choices. The district has received over $5.2 million in donations from our CTE Major Giving Campaign because of tours that showcased the new facility and students highly engaged in their new learning environments. Community partners demonstrate their support at the entry to the building as well as with shared learning experiences.
Planning
The district’s and community’s belief in CTE was the driving factor for the design and construction of the facility, with goals to transform outdated learning environments. A coalition comprised of community members and district staff helped plan the facility, including providing input for academic program needs, specialized equipment, and partnerships that promote student success. Careful academic placement was achieved to welcome community to be part of the learning experiences for students.
School Transformation
Outdated areas have been replaced with light-filled, happy spaces for student-selected curricula. Learning is fun now in real-world venues with updated materials and equipment. Unusual programs like Rocketry have industry-inspired spaces to take students out of this world. The design embodies intended empowerment for students’ career-focused success. “High skill and high wages” is the focus for all students, while the district provides rigorous and real instruction in a variety of industries.
Star of Distinction Category Winner