Local Business Leaders Wanted More Engineers. Instead, They Sparked 25 Years of Innovation at High Tech High.
Back in 1998, San Diego’s tech industry was booming, but local business leaders realized they needed more engineers to sustain growth. What began as a simple plan to cultivate young tech talent led to the creation of High Tech High (HTH), a school that has since transformed education in San Diego and around the world.
High Tech High didn’t just train engineers; it sparked a 25-year journey of educational innovation. From its inception, HTH was designed to prepare students for real-world challenges, focusing on hands-on learning that blends academic rigor with practical skills.
From Idea to Reality
The initial idea behind High Tech High came from 40 local companies seeking a school that would prepare students for careers in engineering and technology. When Gary Jacobs attended a planning meeting on behalf of Qualcomm, the project took on new life. He and his wife, Jerri-Ann, decided to invest in the vision, providing $3 million to get the school started.
But it wasn’t just about funding, it was about finding the right leader. That’s when Larry Rosenstock, now CEO Emeritus of High Tech High, came on board. With his passion for hands-on education and willingness to try something new, Rosenstock helped shape the unique approach to learning that would define HTH for decades to come.
In 2000, the Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs High Tech High opened its doors to students, marking the start of something far bigger than anyone could have imagined.
What Makes High Tech High Different?
At the core of High Tech High’s philosophy is Project-Based Learning (PBL), an educational method where students engage in real-world projects that require collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. But High Tech High goes beyond just the PBL approach, it focuses on creating an inclusive, diverse culture where every student is encouraged to succeed.
This focus on holistic education has made High Tech High a model for schools around the world.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Building High Tech High wasn’t without its challenges. Finding the right location was key, and the former Navy training facility at Liberty Station provided the perfect setting. The campus was transformed into an open, collaborative learning space where students could engage in group projects and discussions. Learning at HTH doesn’t just happen in classrooms – it happens everywhere.
The first year saw 100 freshmen and 50 sophomores enroll, but the new teaching style – no textbooks, no lectures – was an adjustment for everyone. Half of the original staff left by the end of the first year. However, word spread quickly, and applications flooded in as families saw the value of a hands-on, innovative education.
The Impact of 25 Years of Innovation
Now, 25 years later, High Tech High has 16 schools across four campuses in San Diego County. The ripple effect of its educational model has gone far beyond the region:
What Project-Based Learning Means for Students
High Tech High’s Project-Based Learning model equips students with more than just academic knowledge. Here’s why it works:
This holistic approach not only prepares students for success in college but also sets them up to become leaders in their careers and communities.
Looking to the Future
As High Tech High celebrates its 25th anniversary, it’s clear that the school has fulfilled its original mission! To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the High Tech High Foundation held a special gala event on October 19 at Liberty Station, honoring the impact of CEO Emeritus and Co-Founder Larry Rosenstock. The vision of creating a school that bridges academic
rigor with real-world learning has blossomed into a global movement, inspiring schools around the world to rethink how they educate students.
Gary Jacobs reflects on this milestone with pride: “Our goal was to prepare students for the real world. Twenty-five years later, we see our alumni doing just that, whether it’s in college, the workplace, or their communities.”
The future looks bright for High Tech High as it continues to innovate, challenge the status quo, and inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.
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