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Industry focus groups back maker-style innovation center for Canyons; board agrees to study AVID districtwide
Summary
A set of six focus groups with business leaders recommended maker spaces, presentation rooms, interview labs and industry partnerships for a proposed Canyons innovation center. The board directed staff to continue industry engagement and to study district-wide adoption of AVID as a vehicle to implement the district's Portrait of a Canyon Scholar.
SANDY, Utah — After six industry focus groups and interviews conducted at the district's request, business leaders recommended that the proposed Canyons innovation center prioritize hands-on maker space, flexible presentation and collaboration rooms, and programs that teach presentation, teamwork and business fundamentals.
Pat Jones, a consultant with extensive experience in qualitative research, told the board the focus groups produced consistent results: businesses want young people who can communicate, problem-solve, work on teams, present ideas and understand basic business and financial concepts. Jones said participants repeatedly asked for "safe places to fail" where students can tinker, iterate and learn from setbacks.
Design and program recommendations from industry leaders (summary): - Space and design: bright, flexible, modern workspaces with maker labs, trades and technical bays, interview/collaboration rooms (small through large), presentation stages and areas sized to host fairs and public showcases with the ability to reconfigure as industry needs…
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