Through the Circle Drive Bridges Student Ambassador Program, the project team is working with students from Harrison High School informing the public about the project and obtaining input that will result in a better overall project reflective of the needs and desires of the community. As Harrison High School shifted its program of learning to take place online in the spring, so too did the project team work to keep the students engaged in the program by transitioning activities to continue virtually. The Student Ambassador program is resuming this fall for the 2020-2021 school year when the students will create a plan for installing artwork on the new Circle Drive bridges as part of their legacy on the project.
“The coronavirus pandemic has forced our youth to navigate unprecedented and uncharted territory adjusting to their new learning environment. Harrison High School Students are demonstrating their resiliency with the City’s Circle Drive Bridges Student Ambassador program.
The program is providing our students opportunities to actively learn about career options beyond high school and helping equip them to enter the workforce, technical/trade school or college. As part of the bridge reconstruction design effort, and in partnership with Harrison School District 2, our young participants are virtually learning about aspects of engineering, structural design, construction, environmental sciences, and public communication. A big take-away is that they are also experiencing problem-solving, critical thinking and self-knowledge. I applaud the City Engineering Department for connecting with the neighborhoods surrounding the Circle Drive Bridges and for involving the students who are the future beneficiaries of this impressive infrastructure project.”
--Yolanda L. Avila, City Councilmember District 4, City of Colorado Springs
