Among the many scheduled projects under way within Niles Community Schools this summer, renovation has begun at Niles High School on a Cyber Cafe offered to students at the start of the year.

“The idea is this is going to be one of the common areas for the school now,” said Principal Jim Knoll.

Knoll has been working with Business Furnishings LLC in South Bend to finalize the design of the cafe, which will include wireless capabilities, space for the students to work on laptop computers and a small cafe where food and beverages will also be available.

The space, he said, will likely be used mostly by juniors and seniors who will be able to take advantage of blended learning classes at the school next year.

Supt. Richard Weigel talked about the advantages of blended learning in February when he announced a slate of new initiatives at the school.

The classes, he said, would allow students and teachers to meet in intervals throughout the week and students could study independently at the cafe on alternate days.

“This is the future of education,” Knoll said Thursday.

A small office is also located in the cafe space, designated for a career and college counselor who will be one of the adults present at the Cyber Cafe.

Knoll is currently picking out carpet and furnishings as well as deciding on a paint color for the space.

The lounge area will be conducive to students coming in to do their work for online classes or independent study and Knoll said he hopes the room will serve a bigger purpose in the future, possibly remaining open to the community after school hours.

“That’s my plan,” he said. “To open it up to the community.”

The room is planned to accommodate between 35 and 40 students and completion is scheduled for mid-August.