Breaking news on Offsite Dirt this week from Colorado. Audree Grubesic and Mark Wille could not wait to check in with Mike Degitis, Project Coordinator and Math Instructional Coach at Cherry Creek Innovation Campus, a trade school aimed at career training technical education, teaching carpentry and applied math concepts that students need to be successful in their future careers. In Denver, and in other large cities cross the country, homelessness is at astonishing levels. Mike’s team is addressing the issues by building homes in Denver. Mayor Mike Johnson declared a state of emergency last week. He has an ambitious plan to get 1000 unhoused individuals off the streets by the end of 2023 and the importance of awareness and education in tackling community issues. The trio emphasized the importance of awareness and education in tackling these profound community issues.
Denver's homelessness crisis has reached astonishing levels, prompting Mike's team at Cherry Creek Innovation Campus to take decisive action. By building homes in Denver, they aim to provide shelter and hope to those in need. Mayor Mike Johnson's visionary plan aligns with their efforts, inspiring collaboration and united action towards a common goal.
The conversation touched upon the transformative power of a career-centric approach to education. Mike passionately elaborated on CCIC's commitment to offering diverse career pathways to high school students, allowing them to gain real-world experience in various fields. This hands-on approach equips students with practical skills and fosters a deeper understanding of their chosen career paths.
The multi-tiered approach to addressing housing and workforce crises came to the forefront during the discussion. The creation of micro-communities and the repurposing of existing structures like hotels were highlighted as innovative solutions. Such approaches promise to offer sustainable and practical solutions to the pressing issues at hand.
Mark Wille shared his first-hand experience visiting the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus and applauded the institution's innovative educational program. He expressed hope that Mike's inspirational story would resonate with students of all ages, igniting a passion for community-driven action. Mark encouraged listeners to reach out to Mike and support the commendable initiatives undertaken by CCIC.
In the face of homelessness and community challenges, the unwavering commitment of professionals like Mike Degitis and the inspiring vision of educators like those at Cherry Creek Innovation Campus serve as beacons of hope. By coming together and investing in education, sustainable solutions, and community engagement, we can build a brighter future for all. The conversation left a lasting impression on the hearts of those involved and serves as a reminder that collective action can make a profound difference in people's lives.
Mike Degitis
Project Coordinator and Math Instructional Coach at Cherry Creek Innovation Campus