Opportunity Central (The OC) is a groundbreaking multipurpose campus in Forney ISD, designed to foster career development, higher education access, and community engagement. This innovative space unites the community by providing diverse learning opportunities for all ages, from pre-K to high schoolers–what a range! From creative workshops and fitness centers to dining, shopping, and even automotive and beauty services, The OC is a hub of activity and growth—where real student-operated businesses are plentiful and thriving.
Superintendent Justin Terry shares his excitement about The OC:
“What makes me most excited about this project is just multifaceted, to be honest with you. It focuses on our students. They’re able to do some thing here that no one else has the ability to do, and it’s because of the facility that we’ve built and the ability to bring community into the backspace. It’s never been done before.”
This vision emphasizes the unique opportunities provided to students and the community, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
Exploration Zones by Exhibit Concepts played a pivotal role in designing, fabricating, and installing storefront vignettes within The OC for many of Forney ISD’s commerce partners. These spaces include The OC’s Welcome Center, Blooms (a floral shop), The Green Room (a multipurpose space and photography studio), Assembly Required (a hands-on makerspace), eSports Lab (esports teams practice and play), The Gallery (student and staff art display), Engage (the OC’s program connection zone), Construction Lab (a woodshop), OC Theatre, The Recording Studio, and OC Junior—the Early Childhood Center play area featuring indoor play structures and hands-on learning stations. These spaces replicate real-world environments, providing students with immersive experiences.
Each space within The OC serves a unique purpose. The OC Welcome Office provides visitors with information and guidance, while Bloom has been transformed into a true floral shop, fostering pride and creativity among students.
The OC is designed for hands-on learning and to build future-ready skills in students, from collaboration and teamwork to financial literacy and project management to critical thinking. As Superintendent Terry explains, “It’s not just about learning how to do hair or learning veterinarian skills. It’s about truly building future-ready skills where they’re able to understand the business side of things as well.”
Chief Operations Officer Kimberly Morisak emphasizes the broader impact:
“The thing I’m most excited about for this building, while it’s great for Forney, I think education has to change. Our goal here is that we change the landscape of education for not just Forney, not just Texas, but for the nation. We have to rethink the way we’re doing things, the way kids learn, and the direction of public education.”
Experiential learning is a powerful educational approach that goes beyond traditional classroom instruction by engaging students in hands-on, real-world experiences. This methodology has been shown to significantly enhance learning outcomes and student engagement, and it is estimated that experiences make up between 70-90% of our learning over the course of a lifetime–compared to just 5% through lecture-based learning. This stark difference underscores the importance of integrating practical, hands-on experiences into educational programs. Kimberly Morisak’s vision for The OC and her hope for the change in direction of public education aligns with the experiential educational philosophy.
Opportunity Central is more than just a facility; it is a transformative environment that prepares students for the future while engaging the community. By fostering hands-on learning and providing real-world experiences, The OC is reshaping education and community engagement in Forney ISD.
Join us in celebrating Forney ISD’s Opportunity Central campus and their commitment to fostering career development through these experiential spaces and opportunities! Click below to read the full case study and learn more about this innovative project.
For information on obtaining a tour or project details from Forney, you may contact Kim Morisak, Associate Superintendent Forney ISD, kmmorisak@forneyisd.net.
Explore more about how Exploration Zones by Exhibit Concepts can transform educational spaces and provide immersive learning experiences. Learn more about our work here.
