College of Eastern Idaho set to unveil new Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech Building
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The College of Eastern Idaho is preparing to cut the ribbon on its new Future Tech Building, bringing several of the college's technology and workforce-focused programs under one roof.
Local News 8 got an early look inside the Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech Building ahead of the ribbon-cutting later this week.
Inside, students will find hands-on learning spaces for programs including cybersecurity, engineering, agriculture technology, energy systems, robotics, and surgical technology.
In the cybersecurity lab, students will be able to build desktop computers from scratch and then use those computers throughout the program.
Agriculture technology is one of the college's newest programs. The space is designed to give students experience with technology increasingly used in farming, including building and working with robots and drones.
The building also includes "Innovation Alley," a space equipped with 3D printers and other tools that students and campus clubs can use for projects.
Many of the programs housed in the building are designed around hands-on training that can prepare students to enter the workforce after earning a two-year degree. CEI is also offering a new Associate of Engineering degree designed for students who want to transfer to a four-year university.
The additional space comes as CEI continues to see enrollment growth. The college says its fall headcount has reached about 5,000 students and is currently 7.7% higher than last year.
While much of the building focuses on STEM and technical education, it will also include traditional classroom space that can accommodate other courses.
The building will also provide additional space for CEI's surgical technology program. College officials said the program is moving into the building because the school's existing health care programs have been consistently full.
CEI will hold its ceremonial ribbon cutting Thursday at 1 p.m.
Gov. Brad Little and Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner are among the VIP guests expected to participate in the ceremony.
Following the ribbon cutting, CEI President Lori Barber and representatives from Battelle Energy Alliance/INL and Frontier Credit Union are expected to be available for interviews.
Local News 8 will have continuing coverage of the new facility following Thursday's ribbon cutting.
