Partner Spotlight: Westminster Public Schools, Ranum Reimagined Regional CTE & STEM Campus

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Through our partner spotlight series, you’ll learn more about some of the initiatives underway by partners engaged in the Rocky Mountain Partnership.

Each partner featured demonstrates one or more of the core tenets of the Rocky Mountain Partnership’s framework to improve economic and social mobility and reduce inequities for those most impacted by our work:

  • We are working towards a common vision
  • We are better when we are working together
  • We engage community members most impacted by our work to make change
  • We use data (both quantitative and qualitative) to inform action
  • We work to impact systems, not just programs and behaviors

30 Second Synopses:

  • The RMP region is working to equip community members of all ages with the necessary skills and experience to meet the needs of industries operating in the area while earning what they need to both survive and thrive.
  • In alignment with RMP’s Strategic Blueprint to increase the number of learners on pathways to jobs in priority industries, Westminster Public Schools (WPS) recognized the potential of of the historic Ranum High School to help meet the needs of the community. WPS is transforming this space into a multi-purpose and state-of-the-art campus, which will serve as the epicenter of a new initiative called Ranum Reimagined. This regional asset will not only be accessible to youth but also to adult learners seeking opportunities to learn news trades and skills.
  • Upon completion, the new campus will offer expanded Career Technical Education (CTE) and STEM programs as part of an innovative model bringing direct workforce development training into the traditional school environment. With a focus on being industry-driven, the programs offered at the campus will be designed to meet the specific needs that employers in our region face, ensuring that learners are equipped with the skills and knowledge demanded by the job market.
  • In January 2023, WPS broke ground on Ranum Reimagined. Local community colleges Front Range Community College, Red Rocks Community College and the Community College of Denver have joined as partners to support this regional talent development hub.
  • This project will play a critical role in RMP’s work to eliminate equity gaps in the talent supply pipeline across the region. It is a shining example of how blurring the boundaries between high school, credentialing, apprenticeships, work-based learning, and workforce can establish regional training pipelines.
  • This approach ensures that learners of all ages in the Region can access flexible pathways, equipping them with skills for high-demand industries, starting with:
    • Construction
    • Healthcare
    • Advanced Manufacturing
    • Aviation/Aerospace
    • IT/Software
    • This model stands to revolutionize talent development, creating a coordinated and accessible system that transforms lives and drives regional growth.
  • RMP is grateful for WPS’s leadership as we work together alongside partners and community members to open the doors of Ranum Reimagined. Community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the campus here.

Why share this?

This regional CTE, STEM and innovation campus is just the ‘tip of the iceberg’ when it comes to what our community can do when we work together. It is RMP’s hope that the region continues to grow, thrive and collaborate for years to come.

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The RMP region is struggling to equip community members of all ages with the necessary skills and experience to meet the needs of industries operating in the area while earning what they need to both survive and thrive. Rocky Mountain Partnership (RMP) has prioritized championing pathways to high demand industries in order to eliminate barriers impacting job-seekers and employers.

One example of this work in action is an innovative partnership with Westminster Public Schools (WPS). WPS has a clear goal — to equip students with the skills needed to succeed. Achieving this goal requires support and resources from the business sector and the community. Ryan McCoy, Executive Director of Post-Secondary and Workforce Readiness contacted RMP to examine what partnership opportunities were available to help students find success. The primary focus will be on industry-driven programs that cater to the needs of employers in our region, ensuring that the training aligns with current job market demands.

McCoy, working closely with RMP and WPS’ Chief Operations Officer, Dr. James Duffy, started envisioning what it would look like to be a part of a regional talent development hub to break down silos, create career pathways and develop long-term partnerships.

WPS saw the possibility in an empty high school building, Ranum High School, and decided to transform the historic building into a multi-purpose and state-of-the-art campus to serve as the center of a new initiative, Ranum Reimagined.

Collaboration:
Upon completion, the new campus featuring expanded Career Technical Education (CTE) and STEM programs will present a unique opportunity for adults and for students in high school to gain hands-on career experience, thus preparing them for post-secondary pursuits and lucrative careers. This innovative model effectively bridges the skills gap, fosters equity, and cultivates a culture of lifelong learning within the community. Rendering of the future Ranum Reimagined campus below

“We started working with RMP to build connections with stakeholders and community partners,” said Ryan McCoy. “It was a great way to bring other key players together for Ranum Reimagined.”

In January 2023, WPS broke ground on the regional CTE, STEM and innovation campus. Local community colleges Front Range Community College, Red Rocks Community College and the Community College of Denver have joined as partners to support this regional talent development hub.

Currently, RMP and WPS are thinking of how to maximize the space for other regional partners by including a co-working space, bringing in Latina entrepreneurs to teach classes and more.

The talent development landscape is complex and requires collective community action to bridge the gap between job seekers and industry professionals. This regional CTE, STEM and innovation campus is an example of how to address skill-building and talent development by bringing together school districts, local community colleges, industry professionals and more.

Ideally, this partnership model will be replicated and scaled across the region to other entities and school districts in order to eliminate equity gaps in the talent development pipeline.

RMP and WPS are thrilled to highlight this regional CTE, STEM and innovation campus which demonstrates the importance of collaboration and partnership. None of the work would be possible without the support from WPS, partners and community members. Community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the campus through WPS’ website.

Learn more about Ranum Reimagined and stay up to date here.

Learn More

Interested in learning more about the work being done with Westminster Public Schools? Contact JodyNowicki@RMPBackbone.org or Ryan McCoy, MA Executive Director, Post-Secondary and Workforce readiness rmccoy@westminsterpublicschools.org 

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