With the recent announcement of CareerWise, it is clear that great things are on the horizon for our youth in Eagle County. Eagle County is no stranger to experiential learning-based programming through its CareerX internship and career exploration program, but Vail Christian High School (VCHS) is taking it to the next level. VCHS has recently adopted the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Program with the goal of preparing students for future success in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers.
Introducing…the HIVE (Home of Innovation, Validation, and Excellence). Parents, community members, and students gathered on Thursday, September 7 to get a first look at the brand-new lab featuring zSpace & MakerBot 3-D printers, a software development lab, a digital multimedia center, an engineering station with development tools, and various other cutting-edge systems. With the unveiling of the HIVE in the 2017/2018 school year, VCHS is implementing Phase I of II planned dual enrollment course options for students. Not only will students receive hands-on, experiential learning at the HIVE, they will have the opportunity to receive college credits through dual-enrollment with University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. In addition to earning college credit through University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Project Lead The Way students are afforded a variety of opportunities including scholarships, preferred admissions at colleges and universities, internships, industry connections, and avenues to highlight achievements.
You could feel the excitement of the students gathered for the unveiling as they cut the ribbon for the lab, demonstrated the 3-D printers, and gave a tour. The HIVE is no doubt going to inspire, engage, and empower these students to be leaders in STEM fields. Congratulations to Vail Christian High School for their hard work implementing this wonderful resource!
For more information regarding PLTW or the HIVE contact VCHS Principal, Mindy Larson.
