Bridging education and business with The OC’s Dr. Justin Terry | E1949

Key Points

• The Forney Independent School District in Texas has created a pioneering 350,000 square foot facility that integrates education with real-world business experiences, allowing students from pre-K through 12th grade to engage in career pathways and gain hands-on experience in various industries.
• The facility operates with a unique model where businesses can set up shop and offer internships and work opportunities to students, who in turn can earn money and school credit, fostering a practical learning environment that teaches entrepreneurship and work readiness.
• The project, led by Dr. Justin Terry, is designed to be future-proof, adaptable to changing workforce needs, and has the potential to transform education by providing equal opportunities for all students regardless of their socioeconomic background, making it a subject of interest for educators and communities nationwide.