Ankeny Community School District has announced plans for a new “innovative hub” facility that is set to open in the 2028-29 school year.

The vision for the Innovative Hub is an integrated space that offers specialized programs and facilities that cater to diverse learning experiences and serves as a catalyst for connecting people, ideas and resources, according to a news release. 

“Our core planning team has invested extensive research into shaping the future student experience,” Superintendent Erick Pruitt said in a prepared statement. “The Innovative Hub will emphasize partnership, program diversity, facility flexibility, and student mobility, providing a dynamic environment for learning and collaboration.”

In its first year, the district plans to offer a program of studies across six career and technical education service areas, the release said. The programs would allow opportunities for business partnerships, hands-on learning, credentialing and work experiences.

The facility’s design phase is in progress and is exploring a land option that spans the campuses of Des Moines Area Community College and Heritage Elementary. The district plans to pursue a bond referendum in 2025 to fund the project.