Farnsworth Group was an integral part of the project team at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) that was awarded a $7.5M State of Illinois DCEO Grant for a new regional manufacturing training academy. The College also aimed to increase access to advanced manufacturing careers through programs that support greater participation from underrepresented populations.
Farnsworth Group served as an integral member of the project team that secured a $7.5 million Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant to support development of the new Advanced Manufacturing Center. As the first phase of a regional manufacturing training academy, the more than 30,000 SF facility was designed to support precision machining education and includes computer laboratories, general classrooms, a high-bay training shop, a large equipment room, and a full complement of support spaces.
The new center strengthens SWIC’s manufacturing education programs by providing modern, hands-on training environments that prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing. The project also supports the College’s efforts to address workforce equity gaps through targeted recruitment initiatives aimed at increasing participation among minority and women students.
