Dr. Sutton, school and district administrators, and students cut the ribbon on Columbia's new Innovation Center

Columbia High School will officially unveiled its new state-of-the-art Innovation Center, a dynamic space designed to ignite student creativity, foster entrepreneurial thinking, and support real-world collaboration. The event is set for Wednesday, April 16 at 11 a.m. 

The facility, which previously served as school’s traditional library, has undergone a nearly $4 million transformation to become a modern hub for innovation and opportunity.

"The Innovation Center was created to prepare students for the future by equipping them with hands-on experiences in business, entrepreneurship, communication, and collaboration," said Dr. Thomas Jones, CHS Principal. "The Innovation Center will serve as a launchpad for student ideas and a bridge between the school, local industry, and the broader community." 

Key Features: 

  • Two Podcasting Studios: Professionally outfitted for student-led productions, interviews, and multimedia storytelling.

  • Makerspace: A hands-on lab for design, prototyping, robotics, and engineering projects.

  • Large & Small Conference Rooms: Designed for group collaboration, mentorship meetings, and business simulations.

  • Stage/Presentation Area: Equipped for student pitches, guest speaker events, and live demonstrations.

  • The Eagle CafĂ©: A casual space to encourage informal discussion, networking, and community building.

  • Open Concept Collaboration Zones: Flexible, tech-friendly spaces that promote teamwork and innovation across disciplines.

Unique Opportunities for Students:

  • Launch student-run businesses and participate in entrepreneurial competitions.

  • Collaborate with local businesses and industry leaders on real-world projects.

  • Develop, produce, and publish original podcast content.

  • Host and attend workshops, speaker events, and innovation showcases.

  • Explore emerging technologies through hands-on experimentation.

The Innovation Center is not just for students—it’s a space built for connection and collaboration. Community partners, mentors, and alumni are encouraged to participate, share expertise, and help shape the next generation of leaders.

Teacher and students working on a podcast in the new Columbia Innovation Center