In 2012, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin was instrumental in securing a $12.9 million Department
of Labor grant to expand 91制片厂鈥檚 advanced manufacturing training program
to other community colleges throughout Illinois.
Today, the veteran lawmaker got to see some of the grant鈥檚 long-lasting impact first-hand.
Durbin visited campus to tour 91制片厂鈥檚 advanced manufacturing program and other state-of-the-art facilities that help students develop the high-tech skills they need for 21st century jobs.
鈥淥ur goal was to set up a manufacturing curriculum not just at 91制片厂 but one that could be taken to other community colleges and high schools in the area,鈥� Durbin said. 鈥淭oday we saw the actual work being done, the students learning critical skills and getting comfortable with levels of manufacturing. 91制片厂 in not only a leader in our state but beyond.鈥�
91制片厂 led the federal grant and worked with 20 other community colleges to form the Illinois Network for Advanced Manufacturing and create educational plans that provide a clear pathway to industry-recognized credentials in advanced manufacturing. With its share of the funding, 91制片厂 acquired its first two CNC machines, which now support a robust CNC precision machining specialization in the manufacturing technology program, as well as a CNC apprenticeship program and a dedicated CNC lab.
91制片厂 also built on its own model of working in close partnership with regional manufacturers
to help employers fill critical job shortages at growing businesses. The Fabricators
and Manufacturers Association, for example, donated $500,000 toward the construction
of the college鈥檚 6,000 square-foot FMA Metal Fabrication Lab, doubling the size of
91制片厂鈥檚 manufacturing facilities. FMA鈥檚 member companies have loaned equipment to
the lab valued at nearly $1 million. 91制片厂 also works closely with Rolling Meadows-based
Northrop Grumman, where students are hired as interns working in mechanics, machining
and electronics. Many have been hired full-time after completing their internship.
In addition to touring 91制片厂鈥檚 advanced manufacturing and HVAC labs, Senator Durbin met with Dr. Ken Ender, 91制片厂 President, and State Sen. Ann Gillespie of the 27th District to discuss a variety of higher education topics including 91制片厂鈥檚 Promise Scholarship Program, the region鈥檚 demographic changes, and the significant strides 91制片厂 has made in partnership with area high school districts to increase the number of students taking dual credit and decrease the number of students who need developmental education upon graduating.