Case Study: Meeting Workforce Needs Through Community-Led Design
Many students lack access to physical spaces where they can develop hands-on career skills. Eskolta partnered with San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) to blueprint a community-informed Innovation Center that moves beyond theoretical learning and prepares students for future careers.
Quick Facts
SFBU and Eskolta co-designed a three-phase plan to launch an Innovation Center that offers Bay Area students and the local community with a physical space to prototype bold, innovative ideas and advance career technical education.
- San Francisco Bay University (SFBU)
- Fremont, CA
- 160+ Students
- 94%+ International Students
Overview
Opportunity
Innovation centers are dynamic learning hubs—where structured programs and informal exploration meet. They deliver hands‑on training, career‑development support, entrepreneurial guidance, and open new avenues for research and real-world impact.
Insight
Rather than creating an innovation center for the community, SFBU and Eskolta teamed up with students, staff, and community members to shape a solution that met local demand.
Intervention
SFBU and Eskolta developed a multi-phase plan, set to unfold over three years, to launch an innovation center offering students hands-on training, real-world entrepreneurship experience, and access to resources that lead to meaningful careers.
Innovation Centers Empower Students and Communities to Tackle Real-World Challenges
Eskolta and SFBU hosted a community event to explore the value of a campus-based Innovation Center. Community insights informed plans for experiential learning, local partnerships, and inclusive programs that bridge education and workforce gaps.
year comprehensive action plan grounded in research and community insight to guide the Innovation Center’s launch
strategic focus areas: accessibility, collaboration, industry exposure, community engagement, capacity building, and increased visibility
Related Services
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Impact Evaluation
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