Arapahoe Community College will construct a $40 million “Collaboration Campus” in Castle Rock.  The project will consist of two 54,000-square-foot buildings on a 14-acre site in The Meadows, west of Highway 85 and northeast of Castle Rock Adventist Hospital.  Joined by the Town of Castle Rock and educational partners Colorado State University and Douglas County School District, the campus will bring post-graduate educational opportunities closer to home.

Information provided by Arapahoe Community College; map by Tim Gamble

The Town of Castle Rock will invest $3 million for infrastructure reimbursement with Arapahoe Community College (ACC) to construct a $40 million “Collaboration Campus” in The Meadows in Castle Rock.  Joined by educational partners Colorado State University (CSU) and Douglas County School District (DCSD), ACC hopes to create a smooth pathway from high school diploma to associate degree to bachelor’s degree.

This two-phase project will consist of two 54,000-square-foot buildings on a 14-acre site in The Meadows, with an estimated opening of phase one in the fall of 2019.  Collaborating with local businesses and focus groups, ACC, CSU and DCSD determined the initial educational offerings will be in the areas of business and entrepreneurship, healthcare, information technology/programming, general education and workforce training.

“ACC is very excited to expand our presence in Castle Rock to serve the community through this very unique educational partnership,” announced Diana Doyle, president of ACC.  “The Collaboration Campus will be a dynamic model for progressive educational delivery at all levels.  We greatly appreciate the Town’s commitment and look forward to playing an integral role in the community’s continued development.”

“…I’m excited as a citizen with school-age kids at the opportunity to significantly bring down the cost of higher education for my kids and my neighbors.”                    – Matt Call, Town of Castle Rock EDC chairman

ACC will lease space to partners CSU and DCSD, providing the collaborative educational infrastructure.  “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,” explained 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.

The $3 million infrastructure reimbursement from the Town of Castle Rock will assist ACC with building permits, fees and land site improvements.  Town of Castle Rock Economic Development Chairman Matt Call contributed, “Quite honestly, I’m excited as a citizen with school-age kids at the opportunity to significantly bring down the cost of higher education for my kids and my neighbors.”

For more information about the Castle Rock Collaboration Campus, email Tina Griesheimer at tina.griesheimer@arapahoe.edu or call 303-797-5901.