High school to be built on Innovation Campus
A new high school has been announced as an addition to the Utah State University Innovation Campus.
“The school will enhance the activities and support the Innovation Campus of USU,” said Teresa McKnight, manager of Innovation Campus.
The school will concentrate on educating students who are interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. McKnight said the program will get kids excited and enticed about the various fields.
Approximately 400 students will attend the school.
The school will be open to anyone who is interested in the areas the school is focusing on.
Gerry Giordano, professor and dean for the College of Education and Human Services, said special efforts will be made to recruit females and minority students, two groups that have been historically underrepresented in these fields.
The new school is expected to increase the number of students who are attending USU, Giordano said. Students will be taking advanced courses, some of which will count as part of their college education. Some students could enter the university with two years already completed.
A few USU students going into the high school education field will be allowed to complete student teaching and other experiences at the high school.
“Students attending the new high school will benefit immensely from their association with the scientists and facilities at the Innovation Campus,” Giordano said.
To help start funding for the school, the Gates Foundation has provided a $500,000 grant.
Once it is started, the school will receive an ongoing allocation from the state of Utah, based on a formula that funds high schools. However, this school will receive 1.22 percent of the normal funding for high schools. The school will also be funded through grants, Giordano said.
Innovation Campus already includes the internationally recognized Space Dynamics Lab. The high school plans are part of the expansion from 38 to 150 acres of Innovation Campus.
The high school is anticipated to open in the fall of 2006.
“This is a great program and Innovation Campus is honored to be a part of it,” McKnight said.
-gmblake@cc.usu.edu