Discount Tire Drives Investment in CCIC Students
On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) and Discount Tire officially unveiled groundbreaking upgrades at Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC), celebrating the opening of a state-of-the-art automotive facility designed to inspire and provide expert level resources to the next generation of workforce leaders. Discount Tire outfitted the campus service bays with industry-expert equipment used across its 50+ Colorado stores.
"Our responsibility to our students is to deliver more than just a diploma – it's to open real doors to economic mobility and meaningful careers," said Interim Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Perry. "This partnership with Discount Tire bridges education and industry in a bold new way, putting commercial-grade technology directly into the hands of CCIC students and empowering them to graduate with proven technical skills, real industry confidence, and a direct pathway of purpose into Colorado's workforce."
The expanded automotive shop gives CCIC students direct access to three industrial tire changers, three computer-calibrated tire balancers, and a full alignment rack housed in a dedicated service bay. Through its partnership with Discount Tire, CCIC is incorporating industry-leading safety, service, and customer-experience practices into its existing curriculum. Students will also have opportunities to observe demonstrations and learn from expert local Discount Tire technicians, providing valuable exposure to real-world industry practices. CCIC alumni who are now part of the Discount Tire team may also participate in these experiences, offering students an opportunity to connect with professionals who share their educational background and understand the path from the classroom to a career in the automotive industry.
"This initiative represents exactly the kind of collaboration we strive for at CCIC, where industry and education come together to create meaningful, career-connected learning experiences for our students," said Steve Day, CCIC Principal. "By aligning our programming with real workforce needs, we are creating opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom."
This integrated model establishes direct career pipelines and builds on a relationship that began in the 1990s, during which dozens of CCSD graduates have transitioned into successful long-term careers with Discount Tire.
“Our commitment to preparing the next generation begins with giving students the resources they need to succeed,” said Nick Yurkovich, Regional Vice President at Discount Tire. “We are grateful to CCIC for helping bring this program to life and their work to prepare our future leaders.”
This initiative arrives during a major expansion phase for CCIC, made possible by voters passing the 2024 bond, which will allow the campus to serve 70% more students across 25 in-demand career pathways. The automotive pathway has long carried a waitlist, and students are eager to move into their new space this fall.
