Black Hawk College Opens $29 Million CTE Facility for Students

Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois, has unveiled a newly renovated career and technical education (CTE) center, transforming one of its existing buildings into a state-of-the-art facility. The project, which commenced in 2022 and opened its doors in September 2023, encompasses 66,000 square feet of dedicated educational spaces for programs including esports, cybersecurity, forensics, industrial and preventative maintenance, and mechatronics. Additionally, a 4,000 square-foot area has been specifically designed for welding, fabrication, and grinding.

The total investment for this renovation is approximately $29 million. According to Steven Frommelt, the executive vice president of finance and administration, the new facility aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the workforce post-graduation. “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 explained. “And being the lowest cost provider of education in our area, we’re proud to offer services to our students in the community.”

Future-Ready Education and Community Engagement

The renovations also aim to serve the broader community, as Frommelt noted that the upgraded facilities could be utilized for future programs, including initiatives like College for Kids. Jeremy Thomas, president of Black Hawk College, emphasized that the design incorporates flexibility for upcoming technological advancements, including artificial intelligence. “This space is built in a way that if we miss something, we are able to then adapt accordingly,” he stated.

Thomas expressed optimism about the benefits the new facilities will provide to students in the upcoming years. “I hope students are excited,” he said. “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. This allows for our career and technical area to really have an outstanding facility.”

The new CTE center not only enhances educational opportunities for students but also positions Black Hawk College as a leader in career and technical education within the region. With a focus on practical applications and current industry standards, the college aims to prepare its students effectively for their future careers.