FREEPORT — Years of work on manufacturing facilities at Highland Community College culminated with a Greater Freeport Partnership ribbon-cutting for the institution’s new CNC lab this morning.
Highland has kicked off the last two semesters by more than doubling spaces for manufacturing programs. The refurbished CNC (computer numeric control) and CAD (computer-assisted design) learning lab was unveiled this fall, and the spring term began with a similar welding lab expansion.
“As part of our Strategic Plan, Highland has been focusing our creative energy and resources on a key concept we call ‘Reimagine.’ This CNC lab expansion encapsulates these efforts,” said HCC President Chris Kuberski. “Our manufacturing programs were experiencing space limitations, and seat capacity was hindering our potential. This remodel project enabled us to reimagine vacant adjoining spaces.”
The redesigned lab incorporates a new CNC mill, two additional simulators, expanded inspection and tooling options, and advanced measurement with a donated coordinate measuring machine (CMM).
“Once the vision was cast and the funds were secured, many had their hands in the success of this project,” said Scott Anderson, vice president of Business, Technology and Community Programs. “We have given our faculty the tools they need to continue serving students and preparing them to make a difference in the workforce — whether as an entry level operator or an apprentice. Thank you to our partners like Honeywell, Danfoss, Carroll Industrial Molds and Anchor Harvey who have worked with us hand-in-hand for over three decades to meet the needs of the manufacturing community.”
Generous donors helped fund the recent growth in both CNC and welding — with the Highland Foundation rallying support through their recent Legacy Campaign. Thanks to these efforts, more than $4.6 million in donations has cleared the way for multiple renovation projects across campus.
“To everyone who contributed to this project — whether through a gift, your time, or your advocacy — you have made a transformational difference in our community, Highland, and most importantly, the students we serve,” said Dan Dick, executive director of the Highland Foundation. “Your support is not just an act of generosity; it is an act of trust in the power of education and the promise of the mission of Highland.”
To capitalize on these investments in manufacturing, Highland joined with Rock Valley and McHenry colleges in securing a $5.5 million federal grant through the Department of Labor this April. HCC’s portion of this Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grant will infuse more than $1 million over four years into serving more students entering the skilled trades through CNC and welding.
“Flashing back to just under a year ago on Dec. 14, 2023, we were in this building for the welding lab’s ribbon-cutting,” said Anderson. “Though we increased the size and capacity of that lab, we still had to add an extra course section to meet student demand. Here again today, this time in our new CNC lab, we are on pace and in place to do the same. I am sure you will continue to hear about the impact of this reimagined space.”
First-year student Emilee Seebeck, who is taking welding and CNC classes, hopes to make her family and future generations proud by graduating from Highland next year with new career options and higher earning potential. Her stepfather, a CNC machinist, taught her how to weld in their garage.
“I honestly thought I was going to come to college and not like it … But when I got here, everybody was just so welcoming, and they made me feel welcome. If I had questions, they answered,” said Seebeck. “I actually really am going to miss it next year when I graduate. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to all these amazing people. It’s kind of like my second family.”