NORFOLK, Neb. -- Nucor divisions in Nebraska have teamed up to pledge $250,000 to the Northeast Community College iHub in downtown Norfolk.
This pledge brings the iHub closer to its $2 million goal to complete the facility's construction and enhance science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education opportunities in the local community. Nucor Steel – Nebraska, Nucor Cold Finish Nebraska and Vulcraft Nebraska all have operations in Norfolk and are active supporters of community organizations.
Within the iHub, there will be a space focused on youth robotics programs called the Nucor Robotics Lab. Serving a 20-county area, the lab will provide critical resources, including practice space for robotics teams, coaching support, and access to technology for students and educators alike.
The iHub will also host a variety of youth STEM and robotics camps designed to inspire and cultivate the next generation of innovators, technicians, engineers, and more.
"Robotics in business is rapidly expanding beyond manufacturing into fields like agriculture, medicine, and more. In 2023, Nucor sponsored a robotics team to provide students with valuable skills such as business planning, machining, coding, cold calling, CAD design, and public speaking. The Nucor Robotics team began with just five student members and has impressively grown to 30 within a year, highlighting the high level of interest and demand for more robotics programs. We are thrilled to partner with Northeast to help grow robotics and STEM programs in the area and encourage other local businesses to consider sponsoring their own teams," said Tim Geary, vice president & general manager of Vulcraft Nebraska.
Northeast President Leah Barrett said that this generous pledge from Nucor reinforces its commitment to developing young talent in our region and supporting the future of advanced manufacturing and technology.
"With Nucor's support, the iHub will play a pivotal role in equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven world," Barrett said.
The iHub’s youth robotics program is designed to provide hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. By offering state-of-the-art resources and spaces for local youth teams, the Nucor Robotics Lab will ensure that students in our rural areas have access to the same opportunities as their urban counterparts.
In addition to robotics space, the iHub will also house woods, metals and prototype labs for community use as well as electromechanical and industrial automation spaces to support workforce development. The $8.5 million facility is expected to be completed by Spring 2026 and is funded by governmental support and private donations.
Check donation
Nucor divisions in Nebraska have pledged $250,000 to the Northeast Community College iHub. Shown here (from left) are Tim Geary, vice president/general manager of Vulcraft Nebraska/Nucor Detailing Center; Johanna Threm, vice president/general manager of Nucor Steel Nebraska; Erin Sorensen, director of the iHub; and Leah Barrett, Northeast Community College president. (Northeast Community College)
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