The phrase, first of its kind, is often used to describe the Energy Institute High School. Situated in Houston’s Third Ward community in a city that is home to more than 5,000 energy-related firms, Houston Independent School District (HISD) is paving the way for a new kind of energy boom—industry-ready students versed in corporate culture. At the Energy Institute High School, the goal was simple: Attract students who aspire to a career in the energy industry. Wishing to move beyond traditional teaching methods, the leadership team encouraged designers to think outside conventional design practices, insisting that the next generation of industry leaders should learn in an environment aligned with corporate culture. Developed collectively with a Project Advisory Team, the new 114,000 square foot campus was designed to support 800 students through collaborative learning communities. Comprised of three buildings that converge at an outdoor learning courtyard, learning spaces are interconnected to support project-based-learning pathways in offshore technology, geosciences, and alternative energy. Each community provides individual work spaces, flexible collaboration zones, integrated technology, and hands-on lab space for specialized curriculum. To promote student engagement and innovation, technology-intensive media labs and presentation halls enable students to prepare and deliver professional presentations. For the first time in history, high school students will learn the fundamentals of engineering and present prototypical solutions to global energy leaders. Situated in the “Energy Capital of the World,” inspiration for the physical character of the building was at our fingertips. With an emphasis on mirroring corporate culture, VLK Architects extracted elements reflective of the energy industry. Simple yet bold, contrasting masonry and brilliant metal panels showcase the activities within. The glass cube entry is an icon for the school, while the science labs, a staple of the school’s programs, are clad with iconic iron-spot brick.” Being a one-of-a-kind high school has created a sense of belonging where student intellect and curiosity fuel not only a distinctive sense of pride, but an entirely new life-long learning dynamic. With HISD’s investment, Energy Institute High School students may begin by dreaming of becoming a CEO in robotics, but can end up producing a framework of sociological change. For the design team, there has been no better reward than to witness this evolution and to be a part of their future.