“When we invest in students, we’re investing in our future workforce,” said Frontier Credit Union CEO Dan Thurman.
The 88,000-square-foot building took about two years to complete and connects students with the technology and training needed for the workplace.
Built for hands-on learning
Future Tech brings several of CEI’s technical programs into one facility, with classrooms designed around hands-on learning more than traditional lectures.
The cybersecurity program includes an active-learning room where students build their computers as part of their coursework. Classrooms feature touch-screen displays and large monitors.
The mechatronics lab provides space to program robots and allow students to practice automation skills.
A new AgTech program will feature robotics and drones. Students will learn to use farm robots to monitor soil pH levels and irrigation. The program will begin in 2027. Some of the coursework is already being taught in the college’s Energy Solutions program. Students will move into AgTech courses after their second year.
The new building also houses the college’s surgical technology program, where students train in simulated operating rooms.
Starting STEM earlier
The building will also house the Battelle Energy Alliance Applied STEM Institute, a partnership designed to introduce middle and high school students to STEM careers.
Younger students will be able to work with technology in fields like engineering and energy.
Students will have a clearer path from high school to the workforce. For years, partners like INL have helped shape the college’s programs.
Wagner said the building will help expand those connections: “This building kind of just gives us a home, a direct place where (training and curriculum development) is occurring.”
A $52 million investment
Future Tech cost about $52 million and took about two years to build.
Battelle Energy Alliance, the contractor that operates INL, contributed $5.5 million. Frontier Credit Union contributed $3.5 million.
State appropriations, funds from the college, and private contributions from industry and community partners helped fund the program. CEI officials said industry and community needs helped influenced the design. The college has worked with several area employers to align its programs with workforce needs over the years.
The building’s Frontier Conference Center provides community space for meetings, lectures and other events. It includes a kitchen and catering area.
A café, The Generator, is slated to open in September, and the building includes areas where students can collaborate.
More room for a growing college
The building accompanies enrollment growth at CEI.
Fall enrollment increased 7.7% from the previous year, according to the school’s enrollment data.
Future Tech is meant to make programs that have accompanied the growth more accessible.
CEI President Lori Barber said the community’s role in creating these opportunity should be the focus.
“Under the rocks and bricks and mortar of this building are the words, and a lot of those words, most of those words are yours,” she said.
Disclosure: Reporter Devin Bodkin worked at Idaho National Laboratory before returning to EdNews in December.
