Folsom Cordova Unified School District celebrated the opening of Folsom High School’s new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Building in Folsom, California. The RGA Studio of HMC Architects-designed facility offers progressive instructional spaces for hands-on learning in high-tech manufacturing, welding, woodworking, engineering, architecture, and computer science. 

The September 21 ribbon-cutting event included the RGA design team,  Folsom Cordova Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Sarah Koligian, COO Matt Washburn, and CTE Director Alicia Caddell, who was instrumental in securing a $6 million CTE grant for the project. City of Folsom Mayor Mike Kozlowski and representatives from local congressional offices also attended. 

Siemens Corporation’s Scott Frederick—a parent of two Folsom High School graduates—spoke about the importance of the CTE program as a source for work-ready employees. He mentioned the current need for approximately 100 welders and 100 assemblers over the next year, some of whom will work on a large Siemens contract with Amtrak that will run through 2030. The new CTE building is a resource for future workers that prepares them for life beyond high school and connects their education with real-world jobs and skillsets. 

HMC Architects last month acquired RGA in a “stronger together” strategy that will elevate service, design, and positive impact to clients and communities throughout California.