#oow15: Oracle CEO Safra Catz unveils plans to build a Public High School on Oracle’s Redwood Shores Campus

During Oracle Open World 2014, one of the key promises made was Oracle’s investment in opening more Oracle Academies and schools to drive innovation in various parts of the world and during Oracle OpenWorld 2015, Oracle CEO Safra Catz unveiled the company’s plans to build a public high school on its Redwood Shores campus.

Slated to be completed in the fall of 2017, Design Tech High School (d.tech) is a free, innovative charter school that incorporates technology, design thinking and problem solving skills to help students prepare for successful careers.

“Seventeen years ago, Larry Ellison told me that he’d love to have a school where students learn to think,” said Oracle CEO Safra Catz. “Our support of d.tech reflects Larry’s vision for a unique high school founded on principles we believe in: innovation, creativity, problem-solving and design-thinking. We couldn’t be more excited to build this school on our campus and to see the positive impact it will undoubtedly have on the students, teachers, Oracle employees and the Bay Area community.”
Investment reflects Oracle’s Commitment to Education and to Inspiring Future Science and Technology Leaders

d.tech first launched in August 2014 as a California public charter high school in the San Mateo Union High School District. Oracle recognized the tremendous potential of the high school’s unique academic model and through a partnership with the school, is providing the land and building the new facility. The company plans to construct a 64,000-square-foot state-of-the-art, LEED-certified school that will be used by 550 students and 30 faculty, as well as the local community.

“d.tech will be the world’s first educational institution located on a high-tech campus which will give students immeasurable opportunities,” said Dr. Ken Montgomery, Design Tech’s executive director and founder. “We are incredibly grateful to Oracle for giving d.tech a home – a place to inspire and nurture students who will transform our community and world for the better.”

Through Oracle Education Foundation, one of Oracle’s educational philanthropic arms, Oracle Volunteers will continue to work closely with Design Tech High School students on projects at the intersection of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) disciplines.

Oracle’s longstanding commitment to education includes donating $2.5 billion annually in software, curriculum, and faculty training to educational institutions through Oracle Academy. The company also donates millions in cash annually to nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations around the world through Oracle Giving.