Chattanooga State Community College, in collaboration with Hamilton County Schools and the Public Education Foundation (PEF) have established the Global Center for Digital Innovation (GCDI). With a planned opening during spring 2021, the 15,000 square foot GCDI will shine as a world-class center for innovation, creation, and production.

As the nation’s first K-College digital fabrication pathway, GCDI will empower students to fill emerging workforce needs such as entrepreneurship, digital fabrication and manufacturing while creating new pathways for innovation. This 21st century lab will provide opportunities for college faculty and area educators to attend or hold technical and skills workshops, and summer institutes. Students may explore the benefits of Chattanooga State’s Dual Education program through GCDI or participate in after school workshops. Community members may plan celebrations, pitch nights for entrepreneurs, competitions for inventors, maker nights, or community workshops.

Designed to encourage discussion and spur creativity in a comfortable atmosphere, GCDI is divided into four major areas. Visitors will enter GCDI through its ultra-modern foyer located on the second floor of the Center for Engineering, Technology, Arts and Sciences (CETAS) building, then may proceed to one of two labs that focus separately on digital fabrication or woodworking aspects before convening in the Student Collaboratory and Entrepreneurship Center that allows students to design solutions through a business lens.

“The Global Center for Digital Innovation is an exciting partnership between the College and Hamilton County Schools,” stated Dr. Rebecca Ashford, Chattanooga State president. “This Center will provide a collaborative space for innovators and creators to put their ideas into tangible form. The Center will contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem already in place in Chattanooga.”