New Programming Coming to the Center for Innovation

We’re thrilled to announce exciting new educational opportunities coming to the Iowa City Community School District’s Center for Innovation beginning in the 2025–26 school year! Our immersive, real-world learning experiences will now be branded under a new umbrella: ICCSD Innovates.

ICCSD Innovates supports our Portrait of a Graduate and encompasses the many hands-on learning experiences we offer across all grade levels, K-12. From BizTown and Art & Literacy Day to Design Dash and Flood Heroes. And the opportunities continue to grow!

High school and middle school students from across our district will soon have access to innovative educational experiences, all centrally located at our Center for Innovation. These types of opportunities are at the heart of ICCSD Innovates. The expanded programming includes:

• Junior Achievement Dream Accelerator: This hands-on, interactive career exploration program empowers high school students to envision and plan for their futures. Through a variety of engaging activities, students discover their strengths, explore career options aligned with their interests, and set clear, actionable goals to guide their educational path. Beginning next spring, all 9th grade students will immerse themselves in this experience with classroom lessons preparing them for the experience and assessments after to show their learning around our ICCSD Profile of a Graduate and the Junior Achievement Career Ready Competencies. This entire experience will fulfill two of the three Postsecondary Readiness criteria (through the Iowa School Performance Profile) of Work-Based Learning and Industry Recognized Credentials.

• Career Academies: Career Academies are collections of courses focused on specific careers or areas of interest. Due to strong student interest and enrollment, we are excited to offer two Health Care academies (Patient Care and Pre-Nursing) that provide direct access to work-based learning and internships within our local health care community. These academies are part of the dual enrollment options available through the Kirkwood Regional Center. However, students will be able to take these classes at our Center for Innovation, eliminating the need to travel and avoiding disruptions to their current schedules. Classes will be taught by ICCSD staff, allowing us to offer flexible class times and transportation options that better align with student needs.

• 2-Year Associate's Degree Program: Our 2-Year Associate’s Degree Program offers our high school students the unique opportunity to earn their Associate’s Degree before graduating from our district. Through a structured partnership with Kirkwood Community College, students complete college-level coursework alongside their high school requirements, gaining valuable credits and experience. This accelerated pathway saves time and money while preparing students for college and career success. 

In addition, we are excited to offer new adult education courses designed to support our ELL families and adult learners starting next school year. These include English Language Development classes to help with language skills and ease the transition into our community. Additionally, we will provide high school completion courses for adults seeking to earn their high school diploma and further their education or career opportunities. Our Adult Education program provides a flexible, supportive learning environment to help adults achieve their educational goals and access new career pathways.

Construction is already underway to prepare the space for these unique learning experiences. These additions are designed to inspire future pathways, expand access to real-world learning, and ensure students are ready for college, career, and life beyond the classroom.

We’ll be sharing more information as these programs continue to take shape. Thank you for being part of our school community. We’re excited for what’s ahead!