The Alief Center modeled the academic programs, courses and classrooms after professions and trades that offer students real world experience. The Center offers courses in architectural design, automotive technology, construction technology, culinary arts, digital design, health science, industrial robotics, IT, veterinary science and welding.
Classrooms and labs mirror real work environments, giving students the ability to form career expectations in high school. Walls of windows allow students or tour groups to see into the lab spaces where students are working. This promotes collaboration in that existing students can explore what additional programs are offered at the center and younger students can plan their academic future towards a field of their interest. Students who pass their classes at the Center, acquire certifications and licenses needed in their professions.
The electrochromic glass in the upper windows facing the east, west and the entrance is connected to a weather monitoring device. It is able to tint or lighten based on the weather, time of day, and the overall position of the sun. The collaboration area and commons are one continuous open hallway that allows for free flowing movement between courses and encourages students to interact and share their experiences with one another.
The Interactive Observation Lab (IOL), is also known as the Asymmetric Cone. This is primarily a surgical amphitheater where students sit in the balcony and observe medical procedures taking place in the center of the cone. Moveable glass partitions mean that the IOL can be used for instructional purpose by any of the 10 different program fields that the Center offers. The facility is a first of its kind for the district.