MUSCATINE, Iowa – Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) announced Monday, July 7, it has fully funded its $1.65 million 5,360-square-foot addition to the Muscatine Community College (MCC) Industrial Technology Center.
That project represents a 50% increase in the size of the current facility. It is under construction, with completion expected late this fall. The new space will allow MCC to significantly increase its capacity to deliver high-demand career and technical programs, EICC said in a news release. That includes by:
- Expanding welding facilities by adding more booths to train additional students.
- Creating a CNC Machining program – the first of its kind offered at EICC’s Muscatine campus.
- Making a dedicated space for Career Academy high school programs and advanced training labs.
In all, EICC project leaders secured a total of $1.65 million through the generosity and commitment of state and community partners, including:
- $1 million – State of Iowa Career Academy Incentive Fund (CAIF) Grant.
- $250,000 – Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust.
- $50,000 – HNI Charitable Foundation.
- $25,000 – MCC Foundation.
- $10,000 – MidWestOne Foundation.
- $5,200 – Individual contributions.
- $325,000 – EICC match for local contributions.
“This is wonderful news for MCC and for Muscatine,” MCC President Naomi DeWinter said in the release. “We are incredibly grateful for the generous support that makes it possible to expand our programs in welding and launch a CNC Machining program here in Muscatine — a much-needed addition that aligns directly with local workforce needs.”
Student, community impact
Among the major benefits EICC said the completed project will create for students and area employers are:
- More welding graduates: With more welding booths, MCC can train more students to fill critical positions in local manufacturing.
- CNC Machining program: Until now, there has not been a dedicated CNC program in Muscatine. This expansion fills that gap and gives students a pathway into an essential skilled trade.
- Stronger high school career academies: New classroom and lab space will also support EICC’s Career Academy programs, helping high school students earn certificates – at no cost – and enter the workforce or pursue further education.
“MCC has a long history of working hand-in-hand with the community to meet workforce needs,” said Vic McAvoy, executive director of the MCC Foundation. “What’s unique about this project is that it’s not just bricks and mortar – it’s about empowering students with the right tools and training for jobs that are vital to our local economy.”
This expansion also continues the model MCC has used on past capital projects that have combined private philanthropy, public funding, and institutional matching support.
“Our success is built on partnership,” Ms. DeWinter added. “When the college identifies a need, we bring together our partners in government, business, and the community to make it happen. At the core of it all is student learning, which changes lives and builds communities,” she said.
A ribbon cutting event is planned for late fall, when the project is complete. To learn more about EICC’s advanced manufacturing programs, visit eicc.edu/industrial.
