Forney Independent School District’s Keith Bell Opportunity Central, or “The OC,” is a career and college campus that is expected to open in the Fall of 2023. 

The OC is an imaginative, creative and one-of-a-kind idea that will transform the way schools and communities educate future generations. Part career and college center, multi-purpose complex, student-run business hub, fine arts spaces and so much more, it’s designed to create new opportunities for everyone in the Forney Family. 

The 350,000 square foot facility will operate seven days a week with evening hours to accommodate practices, night classes, meetings and special events. The campus will feature retail and restaurant spaces, professional services and entrepreneurial offices, an early childhood development center, 600-seat theater, and a 7,000+ seat arena. The multi-purpose arena will host a variety of special events, trade shows, athletic tournaments and competitions. Future FISD graduations will take place in this facility.

As a Forney ISD (FISD) campus, approximately 2,000 high school students will be transported from North Forney High School and Forney High School each school day to take advantage of classes and programs available at The OC. In addition, the facility's first-floor will be open to the public for access to The OC retail, professional service and eatery businesses. 

FISD has partnered with Dallas College and Texas Tech University to offer programs and courses in a variety of fields. High school students and adults can acquire college hours and/or take classes toward their degrees/certifications. Evening and night classes will also be available.

Visit www.theoc.net for more information. 

The Opportunity Central (OC) campus is intentionally designed to 1.) facilitate the development, training and upskilling of present and future career workforce 2.) provide access to innovative higher education programs and certifications, and 3.) accommodate successful business operations within the facility designed for student and community integration specifically for students to gain real-world experience. 

As an innovative concept, The OC will require future partners and business models to embrace purpose-driven education through student employment, training and mentorship.

Request for Proposal: Future Business Partners for The OC

Currently, Forney ISD is seeking proposals from future business partners interested in operating a retail store, office, or providing a service inside the Opportunity Central (OC) to be open to students as early as fall 2023 or beginning of 2024 . The ideal partner will provide goods and/or services that are “in demand” and will benefit the students, FISD staff and the community in exchange for low-cost facility use. There will be other partnership opportunities to come. View the request for proposal.