EXPLORE
Programming
Junior Year
Game Design
Senior Year
Advanced Game Design
EXPLORE
The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) at Matoaca High School is one of many Specialty Centers in Chesterfield County Public Schools. We prepare students for the future of technology through a rigorous curriculum, hands-on experiences, and real-world application. Whether you’re passionate about cybersecurity, programming, game design, or aerospace technology, CIT provides the tools and opportunities to help you thrive.
Students explore high-demand technology pathways while developing leadership, communication, and business skills. Through certifications, project-based learning, and professional experiences, students gain a strong foundation for both college and career.
CIT students don’t just learn technology—they use it to build, lead, and innovate. From internships and running their own businesses to competing in national competitions and earning industry credentials, our students are equipped to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
Consider joining the Matoaca High School community, where “It’s a Great Day to Be a Warrior!”
17700 Longhouse Lane Chesterfield, VA 23838 Coordinator - Pam Fayman 804-590-3108 x 4203 pam_fayman@ccpsnet.net
Innovative Technology is the intersection of creativity, problem-solving, and cutting-edge tools. It powers every industry—from defense and medicine to entertainment and space exploration.
At CIT, students learn to code, design, analyze, secure networks, pilot drones, and think like tech entrepreneurs. Whether they’re building games or designing business solutions, our students apply technology to solve real-world problems.
Our Mission
The Center for Innovative Technology empowers students to:
Our Vision
To graduate bold, innovative, and career-ready students who lead in the world of technology.
While a student of the CIT program students can expect to earn at least one industry certification, one work-based experience, and obtain the knowledge needed to succeed in their future. Students will also be required to pick an IT pathway of either: Game Design, Programming, Cybersecurity, or Aerospace Technology.
Beginning of Pathway
Continue Pathway
Finish Pathway
Here is a showcase of some of our outstanding student projects highlighting creativity, innovation, and hard work across a variety of subjects.
In late January of 2025, a handful of CIT students went to O.B. Gates and Hening Elementary to present to the 5th graders about 3D printing. The CIT students helped lead each of them in creating a unique keychain design using Tinkercad. Using the student’s original design, the CIT students printed out the keychains and delivered each of them to the Elementary schoolers.
Under How I apply:
Apply using the SchoolMint online application Wednesday, Oct. 2 – Sunday, Dec. 1:
CIT requires a 250-word personal statement and two recommendations from 1 core teacher and one of your choice. Your personal statement should describe why you are interested in the center. There will also be an in person interview required.
Online applications will be available on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, on the CCPS/Specialty Center website. You will submit your application using the SchoolMint application program. Follow directions on SchoolMint to complete your application.
Applications must be submitted by December 5th.
Teacher recommendations are due through SchoolMint by your teachers.
Interviews will be on Wednesday, January 21st & Thursday, January 22nd.
Acceptance offers and wait list offers will be posted on March 4th, 2026.
Each year approximately 50 students are invited to join.
There are specialty center buses and hubs at several locations across the county. These change each year based on enrollment.
Some information can be found on the CCPS Transportation website and you can always call the Area Office for which you reside.
TL is a course code designation for Core (English, Math, Science, History) classes courses that are CIT only courses. CIT students must achieve 12 TL/IT Elective credits by graduation. They obtain these by taking TL core classes & IT electives.
Matoaca High School offers courses at all levels and a wide array of AP and Dual Enrollment courses.
Yes, specific CIT/TL courses will be with only CIT students. All other courses would be with general Matoaca students.
The National Honors Society (NHS) is a prestigious organization that recognizes outstanding students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Membership in NHS is one of the highest honors that can be awarded to a high school student, as it signifies a commitment to academic achievement and community involvement. To be inducted into NHS, students must maintain a high grade point average, participate in extracurricular activities and community service, and exemplify admirable qualities such as integrity, responsibility, and respect for others.
The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is an organization that honors student achievement and leadership in career and technical education fields. Membership is open to outstanding students who have demonstrated scholastic achievement, skill development, leadership, honesty, responsibility, and good character principles. To be inducted into NTHS, students must maintain a high grade point average, be enrolled in a career and technical education program, and exhibit professional work ethics.
The Technology Student Association is a national student organization devoted to promoting technological literacy, leadership, and problem-solving skills among elementary through high school students. As an integral part of the technology education curriculum, TSA allows students to explore various fields of technology and apply their knowledge through competitive events and co-curricular activities. Participation in TSA helps students develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking, preparing them for success in technology-related careers.
DECA is an international association of high school and college students interested in pursuing careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. As one of the largest student organizations in the world, DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers by integrating classroom instruction with applied learning experiences. Membership in DECA provides opportunities for students to develop crucial professional skills through competitive events, leadership development, community service, and practical application of classroom concepts.
FBLA is a student organization that prepares middle school, high school, and college students for careers in business and business-related fields. As the largest career student organization in the world, FBLA helps students develop essential leadership skills, explore different business career pathways, and network with peers and professionals. Membership in FBLA allows students to participate in academic competitions, leadership conferences, community service initiatives, and practical work experiences to gain exposure to the business world.