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
Inside KC’s SubTropolis: How Missouri businesses are looking below the surface for new opportunities
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Missouri Business Alert, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and The Kansas City Beacon. Click here to read the original story. Visitors driving into SubTropolis on a recent morning were immediately greeted by rows…
Missouri to create ‘Office of Entrepreneurship,’ prioritize access for emerging ventures
Newly signed legislation — part of a nationwide Right to Start initiative with roots in Kansas City — is expected to boost starters across Missouri, advocates said this week, and reflects broad public and bipartisan support for eliminating barriers for new entrepreneurs and overlooked business owners. “Advancing entrepreneurship will energize the Missouri economy,” said Missouri…
Just funded: Meet the newest Digital Sandbox KC startups (and see what they’re building now)
Digital Sandbox KC this week announced five new startups joining its program that will receive crucial support, mentorship and up to $20,000 in project funding to accelerate their innovative projects. “We are delighted to bring these cutting-edge startups into the Sandbox, connecting them with the necessary support and resources to advance their innovative projects,” said…
Matt Watson scales third startup to exit; shifting full capacity to his tech services company
At Capacity is returning to the company where it all began; the SaaS platform recently sold to CAMP Digital, co-founder and serial entrepreneur Matt Watson confirmed. Details of the sale were not disclosed, but the exit comes just 16 months after Watson and Meg Stapleton launched At Capacity. Click here to read more about the…






