By 2026, the IMPACT Center for Leadership & Innovation will open its doors to middle and high school students, offering hands-on pathways in aviation, AI, cyber systems, robotics, biomedical innovation, and more.
The IMPACT Center for Leadership & Innovation is more than just another school building in Warren County.
This one-of-a-kind facility is equipped with advanced technology to foster collaboration and innovation — and notably, it is Kentucky’s (and the Country’s) first new school designed around the “Leader In Me” educational model, promoting a sense of belonging through creative learning.
The building is both a hub for 7th to 12th grade students across Warren County, as well as a community resource. Offering a combination of traditional curriculum with an advanced college and career preparation, the Center features industry standard tools and technology to prepare students for future success and dynamic, industry-led pathways supported by flexible labs and makerspaces.
The building is gaining local, state, and national attention. In August, Warren County Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton spoke with Ket’s Renee Shaw about the project. (Watch that interview here.)
Next month, the Nudura School Summit Series will convene district leaders, educators, general contractors, material suppliers, and more on October 21st–23rd at the National Corvette Museum to learn about the project. Warren County school leaders and Sherman Carter Barnhart architects will join others to talk about the IMPACT Center during the two-day event. (Learn more and register here.)
The IMPACT Center is also a Teaching Laboratory, a professional development hub for educators, providing access to the latest teaching techniques and resources to enhance instruction quality.
The IMPACT Center is dedicated to expanding opportunities for all students, especially those underrepresented in STEM fields. It offers a range of programs, internships, and mentoring to ensure every student has access to high-quality education and resources for college and career readiness.
Addressing the national teacher shortage, the Center’s design supports personalized attention through limited instructors and hands-on learning in advanced technology-enriched spaces. An Information Technology suite provides students with cutting-edge technology ensuring they are prepared for the digital age.
The building’s sleek metal panel façade creates a modern appearance, chosen for durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. Large windows allow natural light to flood the interior, enhancing student well-being and learning outcomes. Energy-efficient features such as geothermal HVAC, ICF construction, and a 50kw solar source contribute to the district’s zero-energy design goals.
