McHenry County College (MCC) has opened the Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation (CATI), a state-of-the-art facility establishing a transformative hub for skilled trades education and innovation. A groundbreaking partnership with the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI), will bring additional expertise and resources to Foglia CATI.
The Foglia CATI provides opportunities and resources for those looking to start successful careers in the skilled trades, change careers, or increase their value to current employers. The new, innovative facility features 45,000 sf of open-concept classrooms and labs outfitted with the newest equipment and technologies available that are used in industry applications, including geothermal systems, 3D printing, and welding. Students will work on industry-standard HVAC units, CNC machines, welders, computers, and more.
The center includes offerings of nine degrees and over 39 certificates and certificate options in: Architectural and Engineering Design Technology; Automation, Robotics, and Mechatronics; Construction Management; Engineering Technology; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC); Industrial Maintenance; Industrial Management and Technology; Precision Machining; and Welding and Fabrication.
“The Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation is a place of learning that sponsors the imagination of everyone and creates innovation in everyone,” said MCC President Dr. Clint Gabbard. “Our creative, talented, and motivated students will make an indelible impact on companies throughout our community. And this center will most certainly change the economic future of our county,” he shared.
The Foglia CATI was officially unveiled with a special ceremony on Tuesday, September 3, featuring remarks by Gabbard, as well as manufacturing management faculty member and department chair, Heather Zaccagnini, Congressman Bill Foster, McHenry County Board Chair Mike Buehler, and friend of the College, Vince Foglia. The Foglia Family Foundation has been a strong advocate of this initiative and a variety of other college efforts over the years. Attendees included MCC Board Members, donors, leadership from local businesses, and city and county officials. The ceremony highlighted the center’s positive impact on economic development, career growth opportunities in the skilled trades, and the successful partnership between MCC, philanthropy, and the State of Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) to complete the building project.
“This is the Foglia CATI,” stated Gabbard. “Learning, with a giant slice of opportunity and promise. Collaborations and connections that stretch our reach farther than we imagined we could reach.”
Through the Griffin MSI @ MCC collaboration, the Foglia CATI will further enhance its role in fostering world-class innovation and hands-on learning. A key component of this partnership is the pursuit of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Fab Lab certification for the Foglia CATI’s Fabrication Lab, which will provide both the community and students with access to advanced, production-level prototyping equipment. MCC has also welcomed a Griffin MSI liaison to collaborate on innovative projects that will drive innovation and inspire the next generation of thinkers and doers.
“We are excited to partner with MCC as Griffin MSI continues to expand beyond the limits of our campus in Hyde Park and bring our programming to new communities” said Manny Juarez, senior director, creativity, and innovation programs at Griffin MSI. “Through the Foglia CATI, we want to expand on the terrific programming offered by MCC and broaden the scope of our outreach by promoting our mission to ‘inspire the inventive genius in everyone’ with new audiences and encourage young people to consider a wide range of STEAM educational and career pathways.”
The Foglia CATI will feature a Maker’s Space, open to the community for work on initial concepts or hobbies. This space will leverage Griffin MSI’s expertise to provide year-round programming, including MCC’s existing Kids and College program, personal development classes, and other K-12 partnerships.
Foglia CATI is one of three donor-funded innovation centers on campus, alongside the Liebman Institute for Science Innovation (LISI) and the Center for Agrarian Learning (CAL). Each of these innovation centers expand access to informative and enriching content, bringing the community together to celebrate curiosity and be inspired.
Find more information about the
Foglia CATI.
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About McHenry County College McHenry County College (MCC) serves one of the largest and most dynamic counties in Illinois, providing credit courses, workforce training, community enrichment, and special events for thousands of participants annually. The College offers a wide variety of associate’s degrees and certificates designed to help students enter the workforce quickly or continue their education at a four-year college or university. Maintaining a focus on student success, MCC delivers high-quality, affordable, accessible education that aims to inspire and empower all those it serves. MCC’s main campus is located in Crystal Lake, IL. The College’s Catalyst Campus, located in downtown Woodstock, is home to the University Center at MCC as well as the Career Spark Center, Talent Impact Center, Community Enrichment Center, and Illinois Small Business Development Center. For more information, visit
www.mchenry.edu.
About the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and IndustryThe Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that support the Museum's mission: to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. As one of the largest science museums in the world featuring award-winning exhibits and hands-on activities, a visit to the Griffin MSI is guaranteed to connect fun and learning. Griffin MSI is committed to offering comprehensive educational programs for students, administrators, teachers and families that make a difference in local communities and contribute to MSI's goal to transform and illuminate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) pathways for people of all ages. The Museum is grateful for the support of its generous donors and guests who make its work possible. The Griffin MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit
msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414.
