March 8th, 2024

Dean Messinger introduced, Melissa Fasig, Director of Development and Foundation Operations at Heartland Community College.  

 

A few years ago, HCC performed an environmental scan to understand the needs of the area.  Results indicated there needs to a new focus on agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and health care.  

 

HCC currently has 80% of its students who intend to transfer to a 4-year university, and 20% are at HCC to get a certificate to enter the workforce.  There have been 40 certificates developed at HCC since 2019. 

 

The new Agriculture Complex opened in January, 2024 and currently have 200 students.  Its 29,500 square feet includes greenhouses, lab space, food forest, and it is a net zero facility. It also hosts community events.  Another new space is the Advanced Manufacturing Center, that opened in January 2024, and serves more than 300 students.  

 

Another focus of HCC is Community Outreach and Partnerships.  They offer education programs in the community, including assisting Mid-Central Community Action, Western Ave. Community Center, and more.  HCC, this spring, plans to connect Constitution Trail to campus, and the area will includes bird watching, benches, trees, and more.  

 

For more information, please visit Heartland's website.