According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the labor market is projected to expand by 6 million new jobs over the next 10 years. By 2029 one in four people will be aged 65 and older, leading to a large portion of the workforce exiting the labor market creating opportunities for those starting out on their career pathways.

The new Emil and Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center prepares Winchester students and community members for the in-demand, skilled workforce of tomorrow. Our goal is to ensure that every student is prepared and empowered with marketable skills that lead to full-time, high-paying employment and that every regional industry is fully supplied with dedicated, skilled workers that will sustain and enhance their business model.

A joint venture with Laurel Ridge Community College and local industry partners, the Shihadeh Innovation Center trains and equips youth and adults to meet the demands of the regional job market. Industry partners play an active role in the development of the program of study, while also committing to work-based learning opportunities for students and culminating in marketable certification opportunities. The Innovation Center is a hub of workforce development for the community, serving both high school students and adults.

The instructional culture at the Innovation Center is interdisciplinary and organized into industry themes where Career & Technical Education (CTE) teachers, core academic teachers, and students work together on authentic, real-world problems.

While attending the Innovation Center, students take one CTE course and one core class. All JHHS students are given an opportunity to have an experience at the Innovation Center over the course of their high school career. Evening class opportunities are available for adult training as a part of a partnership with Laurel Ridge Community College.