The Clark Advanced Learning Center
Stuart, Florida
Scope:
Development of the IRSC-MCSD Advanced Learning Center (ALC) began in 1999 with the idea that a joint facility between Indian River Community College and the Martin County School District would provide Treasure Coast students the latest in instructional technology to prepare for transition to college and 21st century employment. Florida Architects, Inc. (FLA) was involved from the beginning working closely with IRCC and MCSD in the initial curriculum evolution, program and subsequent architectural design concept.
Overseen by an Executive Director and nine-member Management Board, the ALC integrates a strong academic and technology based curriculum with career-oriented “real world” experiences for approximately 200 junior and senior high school students. The flexible learning environment features 10-12 classrooms and labs encircling a central “Knowledge Room” specially designed and equipped for collaborative research and project-based learning. Other components of FLA’s involvement were the presentation materials for the Florida Legislature and other fund raising efforts, probable cost estimates and project leadership between committee members.
Envisioned to become the national model of a joint-use facility between school district and college to provide technology based academic programs, the ALC is the result of extensive input and involvement from the school board members and staff, community college administration and staff, other committee members, the business community, curriculum specialists, designers and legislative delegates.
