NORFOLK, Neb. – Northeast Community College celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the iHub on Aug. 11, marking a significant milestone in the college's ongoing commitment to workforce development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional economic growth.
Located at 707 W. Norfolk Avenue in downtown Norfolk, the 18,000-square-foot facility was developed to serve as Northeast Nebraska's premier fabrication lab, workforce development training center, and youth STEM hub where imagination, design, and creativity come to life. The facility officially opened to members, employers, students, and the community on Aug. 14.
Donovan Ellis, chair of the Northeast Community College Board of Governors, welcomed guests and highlighted the collaborative nature of the project.
"The iHub is a collaborative project with partners that include Northeast Community College, the State of Nebraska, the federal government, private foundations, and area businesses and industry," Ellis said. "Through this cooperative effort, businesses will be able to upgrade the skills of their employees. Entrepreneurs will be able to make prototypes of their ideas. And youth will be able to expand their involvement in the exciting field of robotics."
During the ceremony, Northeast President Dr. Leah Barrett described the iHub as a transformative investment designed to strengthen the region's workforce and economy.
"The goal of the iHub is to drive economic growth by empowering learners from fourth grade to adulthood through hands-on STEM education, advanced robotics training, and industry-recognized credentials," Barrett said. "By bringing together educators, employers, entrepreneurs, and community partners, the iHub will strengthen the talent pipeline, support business expansion, and position Norfolk and Northeast Nebraska as regional leaders in advanced manufacturing and technology."
The facility features fully equipped wood and metal fabrication shops, a prototyping lab, 3D printers, laser cutters, a robotics and automation lab, and multiple collaboration spaces designed for project planning, design, and construction.
The iHub was developed to provide hands-on learning opportunities for learners of all ages throughout Northeast's 20-county service area. Community members, entrepreneurs, and businesses can access the facility through membership options, while employers can utilize the space for customized workforce training and employee upskilling. Memberships are available for students, individuals, and households, with options ranging from week passes to annual memberships. Members have access to the facility's equipment, workspaces, and programming after completing required safety and equipment training
The project was supported through a combination of federal, state, private, and philanthropic investments totaling approximately $9 million. The Northeast Community College Foundation raised more than $3 million in private support for the facility.
Barrett recognized the many individuals and organizations that contributed to the project's success, including Northeast employees, architect Wilkins ADP, and general contractor Rogge General Contractors.
Several elected officials and project partners participated in the ceremony, including U.S. Representative Mike Flood, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts, Nebraska Department of Labor Commissioner Katie Thurber, Invest Nebraska Chief Executive Officer Dan Hoffman, Nucor General Manager Johanna Threm, and Norfolk Iron & Metal executive leader and Northeast Board of Governors member Julie Robinson.
Flood was recognized for helping secure federal funding for the project, including Community Project Funding through the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Barrett also acknowledged support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Invest Nebraska, and the Heartland Robotics Cluster, which helped advance the project through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge initiative.
Industry partners also played a key role in making the iHub possible. Norfolk Iron & Metal and Nucor Corporation each provided early investments of $250,000 to support the project and its mission of strengthening workforce development throughout Northeast Nebraska.
The iHub is also part of the broader Growing Together initiative, which seeks to expand opportunities for youth and adults to develop skills in technology, automation, advanced manufacturing, and other high-demand industries.
Following remarks from project partners and community leaders, members of the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce officially cut the ribbon, signaling the start of a new chapter for innovation and workforce development in Northeast Nebraska. Attendees then toured the facility and participated in robotics demonstrations led by the iHub team.
Barrett said the project represents far more than a building renovation.
"This ribbon cutting represents a commitment to opportunity, problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and the future of Northeast Nebraska," she said. "Together, we have created a place where ideas become innovations, learning becomes opportunity, and partnerships become progress."
For more information visit: northeast.edu/iHUB
