Black Hawk College Unveils $29 Million CTE Facility with Modern Tech

Black Hawk College has officially opened a newly renovated career and technical education (CTE) facility on its campus, designed to enhance vocational training for students. The project, which commenced construction in 2022, encompasses 66,000 square feet of educational space dedicated to various disciplines, including e-sports, cybersecurity, forensics, and mechatronics. The facility also features a specialized 4,000 square-foot area for welding, fabrication, and grinding.

The total investment for the new CTE center amounted to $29 million, a commitment aimed at providing students with practical experience using current technologies found in the workplace. According to Steven Frommelt, Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration, the facility is designed to ensure that students can apply what they learn in real-world scenarios. “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.

Facility Enhancements and Future Opportunities

Black Hawk College President Jeremy Thomas highlighted that the renovations not only modernize the building but also allow for future adaptability, particularly with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. “This space is built in a way that if we miss something, we are able to then adapt accordingly,” Thomas noted.

The facility is expected to serve not only current students but also future programs, including initiatives like College for Kids. By offering cutting-edge resources, Black Hawk College aims to attract and retain students in the Quad-Cities area, further investing in the local community.

“I hope students are excited,” Thomas said. “In fact, I know they will be. They’re getting to get 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 center marks a significant step in enhancing vocational education at Black Hawk College, preparing students for careers in high-demand fields as they transition from education to employment. With a focus on practical applications and state-of-the-art technology, the college is positioning itself as a leader in career and technical education.