An Innovative Public-Private Partnership in California: Oracle Will Give Mentoring, a Tech Curriculum, and a New $43 Million Building to a Charter High School
Design Tech High School, also known as d.tech, was established in 2014 as a public charter school with 139 ninth-graders. Initially, it operated in a few unused classrooms within a traditional high school building in Millbrae, California. However, as the same group of students prepares to graduate this spring, they have now relocated to a brand-new, purpose-built high school situated on the Oracle campus in Redwood Shores. This move was made possible through the unique partnership between d.tech and Oracle, spearheaded by the Oracle Education Foundation. Under this arrangement, Oracle funded the construction of the $43 million school building, while granting d.tech the freedom to operate independently. Furthermore, the partnership grants the 550 students and 40 staff members unlimited access to Oracle’s expertise, which becomes an integral part of their education.
Nicole Cerra, the Director of Learning at d.tech, expresses excitement about the opportunities for mentorship and guidance that the students will now have with Oracle. She highlights the advantages of being located on the Oracle campus, particularly the ability to connect with Oracle volunteers who are eager to contribute to the students’ learning experience.
The new LEED Gold-certified building stands out from traditional school structures. It occupies 2.5 acres of previously unused Oracle land, adjacent to a marsh, which greatly excites the biology and environmental science teachers at the school. At the heart of the new building lies the two-story Design Realization Garage, a massive maker space. This intentionally central space sends a clear message that Design Tech values creation, which aligns with the school’s focus on personalized learning and using design to solve problems.
Cerra emphasizes that learning is not just about receiving or memorizing information, but about actively creating something. This active creation cultivates problem-solving skills in students, empowering them to make a difference in the real world even while in high school.
In fact, the first class of d.tech students played an active role in the design process, including the selection of DES Architects + Engineers and ongoing partnership with the firm. Despite being just ninth-graders at the time, they confidently participated in design sessions, identifying needs and considering constraints. Their voices were heard throughout the process, even if they didn’t get their desired zip line.
The final building design prioritizes flexibility to adapt to technological advancements. From movable walls to modular furniture, every aspect of the construction was planned to support d.tech’s future evolution and provide education both inside and outside the traditional classroom setting.
For eight weeks each school year, d.tech students engage in intersessions, which involve exploring topics beyond the school walls. These sessions are led by members of the community, including representatives from small businesses, large companies, and non-profit organizations. Oracle employees embraced this concept from the beginning, as they strongly believe in the value of students learning from real practitioners. The school’s willingness to invite the community into the education experience is seen as extraordinary.
According to Cerra, students have already made tangible contributions, earning patents and bringing products to market. The experience is equally revitalizing for Oracle volunteers, injecting fresh energy into their work.
The connection between Oracle and d.tech began even before the school’s inception, when the Oracle Education Foundation was developing programs to encourage community involvement. They invited local school officials, and the representatives from the yet-to-be-opened charter school made a lasting impression. This led to a partnership that offered learning opportunities for the students with the help of Oracle employees.
What started with six Oracle volunteers participating in d.tech’s intersessions has now grown significantly. The foundation’s staff has designed the technical curriculum used by educators at the school, and with the relocation to the Oracle campus, there are even more opportunities for employees to volunteer in various capacities. This includes coaching robotics teams and serving as guest speakers in classrooms.
Both Oracle and d.tech are aware that many people, including educators and entrepreneurs, are closely following their partnership. Design Tech hopes that their relationship with Oracle can serve as a blueprint for successful public-private partnerships.
Cassity acknowledges that this endeavor was unique and aimed to inspire their peers. At Oracle, their philanthropic approach is to do what they can and to recognize that the right course of action is often right in front of them. Providing an exceptional school like d.tech, which has a more promising model than anything they have seen before, is something Oracle can do. The hope is that both organizations will positively influence each other.