Academy Street Innovation Center celebrates ribbon cutting, reveals future plans
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A new $40 million educational facility opened in Troy earlier this year and officials finally got a chance to get together for a ribbon-cutting celebrating this week.
The Academy Street Innovation Center welcomed students for the first time in August. The new career tech center wants to provide students with:
- Hands-on experience
- Industry-recognized skills
- Real pathways to high-demand careers
“The grand opening of the Academy Street Career Innovation Center marks a historic moment for our community. Through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose, we are opening doors for students to gain hands-on experience, earn valuable credentials, and prepare for successful futures in college, careers, and life. This center is more than a building. It is a place where opportunity begins and potential is transformed into purpose.”
Mrs. Cynthia Thomas, Superintendent, Troy City Schools
The project was primarily funded through a grant from the Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education program. The facility will serve students from Troy City, Pike County and Dale County school systems.
Historic Academy Street High School gets new life
Academy Street High School served as the city’s school for Black students during the segregation era. It was closed in 1970 when Charles Henderson High School was integrated.
After five decades of sitting vacant, the campus is once again being used as an education center.
The Career Innovation Center provides programs in:
- Mechatronics
- Electrical line work
- Computer science
- Aerospace engineering
- Public safety (EMS, fire safety and patrolling)
This week’s ribbon cutting marked the first of three phases which are expected to be completed by August 2028.
