All it took was some grapes and a good idea. The first New Technology High School began in Napa, California in 1996 as an answer to the frustrations of students, business leaders and communities wanting better educational options for today’s youth. Far too many students were leaving high school unprepared for life in the 21st century. As a result, the community created a school where students could learn the necessary skills to survive in the global economy and the digital world. The New Tech model grew out of the skill sets businesses want, colleges require and communities need. Now more than 10 years later, one visionary school has led to nearly 40 New Techs in nine states across the U.S.