The $3 million project that has taken a little over a year of renovation is the little cousin to the estimated $19 million similar center now under construction on the Prescott Campus

After little more than one year of work, Yavapai Community College formally celebrated the renovation of a portion of Building “M,” which is now known as the “Center for Learning and Innovation.” This newly transformed center has replaced thousands of books and traditional library materials with state-of-the-art computerized teaching and learning technology.

In a press release, Yavapai Community College President Dr. Lisa Rhine stated, “It’s going to provide students with the opportunity to learn and use the latest media and technology within adaptive learning spaces, while still offering the resources of a traditional library.”

The new 11,000-square-foot facility features advanced AI-assisted tutoring platforms and interactive learning experiences to offer students personalized support. Additionally, the center includes experimental classrooms, immersive learning labs, media production rooms for podcasting and video creation, a fast-capture studio, and dedicated spaces for faculty and students to explore and develop virtual and augmented reality-based learning tools.

The Verde Valley Center for Learning and Innovation is regarded as the “little cousin” of the $19 million Center presently rising on the Prescott Campus, expected to be completed by spring 2026.

Second major renovation in about a decade; former library transformed into  digital driven Center for Learning and Innovation

After about two years, the renovation of Building “M” on the Verde Valley Campus is complete. There will be a ceremony August 13 recognizing the renovation. This ceremony follows on the heels of the successful August 8 open house.

Personnel were expected to begin moving back into the newly refurbished premises throughout June and July, in readiness for the upcoming fall 2024 semester. The last major renovation of Building “M” took place during the 2011-12 academic year.

The Community College describes the revamped facility will boast state-of-the-art digital technology aimed at enriching the student experience “through accessible content.” Additionally, it will offer contemporary learning spaces, study rooms, and student support services akin to those provided at the current Learning Center.

In a move approved by the Community College District Governing Board, approximately $3.1 million was allocated for the renovation of Building “M” in May 2022. The structure is  being rebranded as the “Center for Learning and Innovation.”

It is noteworthy that the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board approved spending at least $15.3 million in May 2023 for a more expansive facility, somewhat resembling the Verde Valley Center for Learning and Innovation in Building “M”, on the Prescott Campus. Renovation of Building 19 on the Prescott Campus  is currently underway.