294. Building an Industry-Driven Tech High School with Nathan Gorsch

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re reconnecting with returning guest and “serial school starter” Nathan Gorsch, executive director and principal of the Colorado Springs School of Technology. Nathan shares how his experience launching Village High School shaped the vision for this new, industry-driven high school designed around immersive, future-focused learning. We explore how a powerful coalition of district leaders, higher education, and local industry came together to create a tech-focused ecosystem serving both students and the regional workforce.

We also dig into what school actually looks and feels like for students: flexible, workplace-inspired spaces, pathway-based coursework in aerospace, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and leadership, and short, high-impact industry sprints led by professionals. Nathan reflects on why ethical leadership matters just as much as technical skills—especially in fields like AI—and hints at what’s coming next in the broader innovation zone. Join us to explore how schools can truly partner with the community to prepare students for emerging careers.

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We unbox:

• Launching the Colorado Springs School of Technology as an industry-driven innovation high school  
• Lessons learned from Village High School and applying them in a new context  
• Designing flexible, workplace-inspired learning spaces and student-centered pathways  
• Monday “industry sprints” with professionals in branding, ethics, design thinking, and rocketry  
• Embedding ethical leadership and social responsibility into high-tech career preparation  
• Envisioning an innovation zone with future medical, public service, and middle school models

Resources:

• Colorado Springs School of Technology – Explore the school’s pathways in aerospace, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and leadership to see how an innovation high school can partner with industry.  
• Village High School – Look into Nathan’s first school startup to understand the blended, learner-agency model that inspired this next chapter.  
• Colorado Springs School District 11 – Learn more about the district context and its commitment to a school of innovation and a broader innovation zone.  
• Challenger Learning Center – Check out their 3D printing, rocketry, and aerospace experiences that support hands-on learning for CSSOT students.  
• DECA– Discover how student participation in business and marketing competitions builds real-world skills and confidence.  
• Portfolio School (NYC) – Explore other innovative school models experimenting with short, intensive projects and student-centered design.
• Follow Nathan Gorsch on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA