| dc.description.abstract | This study explores the most effective approach for designing an educational ecosystem for a fledgling master-planned community that is grounded in an array of industry, community, and higher education partnerships. More specifically, this research provides recommendations to Sterling Ranch, Colorado, a technologically-advanced community that will eventually be home to over 40,000 residents. With an underlying focus on lifelong learning, this study makes recommendations for creating a wide array of educational opportunities through strategic community partnerships. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, both the qualitative and quantitative components of this research are framed within Emily Talen's The Social Goals of New Urbanism (2002), which features three core tenets: community, social equity, and common good. Additionally, the constructs of New Urbanism, innovation districts, and urban redesign inform the framework of this study. The researchers visited six sites across four states and two countries to conduct interviews with area residents, developers, and other community stakeholders to discern best practices in community development, and a survey was distributed to potential Sterling Ranch residents to gain insights into local preferences, priorities, and values. | |
