FCPS Unveils The HILL: A Cutting-Edge CTE Hub Empowering Over 1,000 Students with Real-World Skills and Leadership Opportunities

Written by Reid Maynard, Public Policy Intern

On Thursday, June 12, Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) officially opened its newest Career and Technical Education (CTE) center, The Hub for Innovative Learning and Leadership (The HILL). This state-of-the-art facility will serve more than 1,000 students beginning August 13, combining the Southside and Eastside Technical Centers into one centralized location where students can engage with advanced technology and real-world challenges. ​

Spanning 172,000 square feet, The HILL offers students access to 19 career pathways, 26 high-demand industry certifications, and 39 dual credit courses. Every high school student in FCPS is eligible to apply. Once accepted, students will split their day between their home high school and The HILL, where they’ll immerse themselves in specialized pathways. 

The HILL's distinctiveness is amplified by the role students played in its development. From the very beginning, they had a voice in shaping their learning environment through providing input on classroom design and contributing to decisions that promote creativity and collaboration throughout the building. It is also rich in history with many aspects of the building paying homage to its past as the Herald-Leader, with many past and present employees in attendance at the ribbon cutting event.  

The HILL will rely on strong partnerships with local businesses, which play a crucial role in offering students real-world experience through internships and project-based learning. These collaborations help bridge the gap between education and Lexington’s growing workforce. FCPS has already built and will continue to build solid partnerships with businesses throughout the Commonwealth to ensure students are exposed to diverse career opportunities. 

The Hill is more than just acquiring industry certifications and completing a pathway. It’s about developing well-rounded, passionate, and collaborative future leaders ready to thrive in any professional environment.  The ribbon-cutting event was both inspiring and energizing, leaving attendees with a strong sense of optimism for the future Career and Technical Education in Fayette County.  

A strategic priority for Commerce Lexington is identifying partnership opportunities to help develop a high-quality workforce that supports employer needs and careers of the future.  The chamber looks forward to continuing to strengthen business partnerships with FCPS to improve business and student connections.  For more information about The Hill or business partners opportunities, go here.