Skeleton of the Missouri Innovation Campus is now complete
October 14, 2016 | Bobby Burch
Editor’s note: In response to readers’ desire for quick-hitting stories, Startland News is launching a new segment, “News Flash,” to enable more coverage. Let us know what you think!
A huge facility that’s dedicated to filling an area employment gap by educating area high school students with technology courses is beginning to take shape.
With the aim to connect tech and engineering firms with a locally-trained workforce, the Missouri Innovation Campus in Lee’s Summit was topped off Thursday with the final steel beam on its frame, the Kansas City Star reports.
The $40 million project — led by the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District, Metropolitan Community College and the University of Central Missouri — employs an accelerated model allowing high school grads to complete a bachelor’s degree in two years instead of four. It also will offer paid internships and mentorship program with more than 200 business partners.
Programs offered through the campus include courses in systems engineering tech, engineering tech, software development, computer science and design and drafting. McCownGordon Construction is serving as the general contractor for the 140,000-square-foot facility, which was designed by architects with DLR Group and Gould Evans.
The Star reports that when the facility located at 1101 N.W. Innovation Parkway opens in 2017 August, it’s expected to enroll more than 500 area students. For more on the campus, check out the gallery and video below.

2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Pegah’s expands its family of restaurants to Martin City with new faster-service concept
A locally owned restaurant chain is putting a drive-thru emphasis on breakfast with its newest location in Martin City — offering “hand foods” handed directly to hungry diners. “We’re trying a fast-casual drive-thru focusing on coffee and beverages — tea and juices — and fast-casual meals,” said Rameen Sharifi, owner of Shawnee-based Pegah’s Family Restaurant.…
Missouri founder offers a triple shot of bold business, distilling branding for small ventures
Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. HERMANN, Missouri — Even tiny teams deserve strong branding,…
K-State opens physical innovation hub space to boost research, economic development
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. MANHATTAN, Kansas — A newly unveiled collaborative office space at Kansas State University is expected to catalyze research commercialization, industry partnerships and economic growth, said Richard Linton. “This new space…
Kansas City jazz swings harder: How KU is building on the city’s historic musical legacy
Editor’s note: This article was written for a class at the University of Kansas’ William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications and distributed through the Kansas Press Association. Icons like Charlie Parker and Count Basie define Kansas City’s jazz legacy. But today’s contemporary artists — such as Blue Noyes and Nic Weaver —…






