Black Hawk College Unveils $29 Million CTE Facility for Students

Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois, has transformed a campus building into a state-of-the-art career and technical education center. The newly renovated facility spans 66,000 square feet and includes dedicated educational spaces for e-sports, cybersecurity, forensics, industrial and preventative maintenance, and mechatronics. Additionally, a 4,000 square-foot area has been created specifically for welding, fabrication, and grinding. The project, which commenced last year, officially opened its doors this month in time for the fall semester, with a total investment of $29 million.

According to Steven Frommelt, executive vice president of finance and administration, the new facility aims to equip students with practical skills that align with current industry standards. “It’ll be the current technology that we have in the working world, so they’re able to come in and have a practical application,” Frommelt stated. He emphasized that Black Hawk College is the lowest-cost provider of education in the region, making these advancements accessible to students in the community.

The renovations are not only designed for current students but also have the potential for future programs, including community initiatives such as College for Kids. Jeremy Thomas, president of Black Hawk College, highlighted the adaptability of the space. “This space is built in a way that if we miss something, we are able to then adapt accordingly,” he noted. This flexibility is particularly significant given the rapid evolution of technology, including artificial intelligence.

Thomas expressed optimism about the impact of the new facility on students’ educational experiences. “I hope students are excited,” he remarked. “In fact, I know they will be. They’re getting to be trained in a world-class facility. We’re investing in them. We’re investing in the Quad-Cities. So this allows for our career and technical area to really have an outstanding facility.”

The opening of this facility marks a significant step forward for Black Hawk College, reflecting its commitment to providing high-quality education and training that meets the demands of a changing job market. The integration of modern technology and adaptable spaces ensures that students are well-prepared for their future careers.