With all the construction taking place in and around Castle Rock, it can be hard to keep track of all the exciting projects in the works. From new neighborhoods in Castle Rock, CO to new and improved shopping and recreational areas, people familiar with the area are getting used to seeing construction equipment around town on a regular basis.
One development project that was recently announced is a new Collaboration Campus located in the Meadows subdivision, which is just a short drive from the surrounding communities of Red Hawk Ridge, Metzler Ranch, and The Woodlands. In fact, all neighborhoods in Castle Rock will enjoy this easy commute.
Collaboration Campus Brings Higher Education Close to Home
The Collaboration Campus is a partnership between Arapahoe Community College, Colorado State University, and the Douglas County School District, which will allow local students to pursue college coursework while remaining close to home in the Castle Rock vicinity.
Not only will the Collaboration Campus allow students to take college courses while they are still enrolled in the Douglas County School District, but also it will enable for non-high school students to pursue coursework that may count towards an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or a professional certificate.
A few interesting facts about the new Collaboration Campus:
- The cost of the campus is expected to be approximately $40-million
- There will be two buildings, each with more than 50,000 square feet of space
- The campus will sit on 14 acres and will be located along Meadows Parkway
- The first phase of the campus is slated to open in the fall of 2019
According to an article published in the Denver Post, Collaboration Campus to Bring Host of Educational Opportunities to Castle Rock by 2019,
“The partners decided the campus’ initial offerings will be in the areas of business and entrepreneurship, health care, information technology as well as general education and workforce training.”
Affordable Tuition
The Denver Post article also states that the opening of the Collaboration Campus will allow local residents to enroll in Colorado State University courses without having to leave the Castle Rock area to attend school in person at the Fort Collins or Pueblo campuses. It is expected that tuition for available classes will be more affordable than the cost of tuition at the University’s main campuses.
Customized Training to Meet the Area’s Work Force Needs
An article published on the Arapahoe Community College website, ACC, CSU & DSD to Establish a Collaborative Educational Campus in Castle Rock, includes the following quote:
“ACC’s strong concurrent enrollment partnership with Douglas County School District allows us to continue providing multiple entry points for career and transfer college level certificate and degree programs,” explains Diane Hegeman, ACC Vice President of Instruction and Provost. “Our expanded partnership with Colorado State University creates opportunities for new, continuing, or returning students to complete their bachelor’s degree while remaining in the Castle Rock community. Employers in the area will benefit from customized training to meet the growing work force needs in the area.”
The development of the Collaboration Campus is a true asset to the Castle Rock community and anyone living in the Douglas County area. The new campus will provide easier access to important educational opportunities without the need to travel a great distance. Residents of the Town of Castle Rock are certainly looking forward to the campus’ grand opening in 2019!