NORFOLK, Neb. -- Northeast Community College’s iHub project, which many people know as the downtown Norfolk construction project delayed due to an unexpected collapse of an exterior wall, has continued despite setbacks with the construction.
A U.S. Economic Development Administration grant is funding a portion of the facility’s construction, but federal funding is also supporting youth robotics camps, curriculum development and portable equipment to provide training for manufacturers wanting increased industrial automation and electromechanical skills.
Erin Sorensen, director of the iHub, and Henry Goeden, iHub robotics trainer, have been busy connecting with employers and developing programming to meet their needs.
"We will explore offering certifications, such as Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) gold certifications with various Industry 4.0 micro credentials using the well-known FANUC robot cart,” Sorensen said.
This is in addition to hosting a summer youth robotics camp and developing resources to assist schools in developing robotics programs.
College officials said that the project has not lost any steam over the summer.
“We are happy to share that the architects and engineers have updated the designs, and the general contractor is contacting subcontractors for bids to do the work,” said Scott Gray, vice president of Administrative Services. “Additionally, although some of it is not visible from Norfolk Avenue, infrastructure work is being done to ready the building for construction.”
The facilities will house a woods and metals shop, a makerspace with 3D printers and laser cutters, and space for robotics, industrial automation, and electromechanical labs. It was originally expected to be open in the Fall of 2025 but is now slated for the Spring of 2026 instead.
Tracy Kruse, vice president for Development and External Affairs, said that the college is seeking partners and sponsors to be part of the space once it opens.
“The grant only pays for a portion of the construction, and so it is important that we get support from the community to make this project a reality,” Kruse said. “This includes being able to purchase some of the equipment for the facility.”
She went on to state that there are permanent naming rights to the labs and classroom spaces as well as five-year sponsorships. In total, the college is seeking $2 million in philanthropic support.
Sorensen said while the facility is a cornerstone for Northeast in the downtown, the true heart of the project lies in the programming that will be delivered across the region.
“We’re partnering with schools, nonprofits, and after-school programs to bring STEM camps, activities, and curriculum to the youth in our communities. Our youth robotics equipment and curriculum are designed to ignite curiosity and renew a passion for the manufacturing and agriculture industries among our next generation of leaders and workforce,” Sorensen said.
IHub drawing
An artist’s rendering shows how a portion of the iHub will look to the north onto Norfolk Avenue from its downtown location near Seventh Street.
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