Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) is excited to announce a powerful combination of state, private, and community support has fully funded the expansion of Muscatine Community College’s (MCC) Industrial Technology Center. The 5,360-square-foot addition is now under construction, with completion expected by late Fall 2025.
 
The project represents a 50% expansion of the current facility, allowing MCC to significantly increase its capacity to deliver high-demand career and technical programs. Most notably, it includes:
  • Expansion of welding facilities, adding more booths to train additional students.
  • Creation of a CNC Machining program — the first of its kind offered at EICC’s Muscatine location.
  • Dedicated space for Career Academy high school programs and advanced training labs.

Funding Milestone Achieved

 
The project has secured a total of $1.65 million, thanks to the generosity and commitment of state and community partners:
  • $1,000,000 – State of Iowa Career Academy Incentive Fund (CAIF) Grant
  • $250,000 – Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust
  • $50,000 – HNI Charitable Foundation
  • $25,000 – MCC Foundation
  • $10,000 – Midwest One Foundation
  • $5,200  – Individual Contributions
  • $325,000 – EICC match for local contributions
“This is wonderful news for MCC and for Muscatine,” said Naomi DeWinter, EdD, President of Muscatine Community College. “We are incredibly grateful for the generous support that makes it possible to expand our programs in welding and launch a CNC Machining program here in Muscatine— a much-needed addition that aligns directly with local workforce needs.”
 

Impact on Students and the Community

 
The expansion brings major benefits for both students and area employers:
  • More Welding Graduates: With more welding booths, MCC can train more students to fill critical positions in local manufacturing.
  • CNC Machining Program: Until now, there has not been a dedicated CNC program in Muscatine. This expansion fills that gap and gives students a pathway into an essential skilled trade.
  • Stronger High School Career Academies: New classroom and lab space will also support EICC's Career Academy programs, helping high school students earn certificates — at no cost — and enter the workforce or pursue further education.
“MCC has a long history of working hand-in-hand with the community to meet workforce needs,” said Vic McAvoy, Executive Director of the MCC Foundation. “What’s unique about this project is that it's not just bricks and mortar — it's about empowering students with the right tools and training for jobs that are vital to our local economy.”
 

Proven Partnership Model

 
This expansion continues a successful model MCC has used on past capital projects: combining private philanthropy, public funding, and institutional matching support.
 
“Our success is built on partnership,” said DeWinter. “When the college identifies a need, we bring together our partners in government, business, and the community to make it happen. At the core of it all is student learning, which changes lives and builds communities,” she said.
 
A ribbon cutting event is planned for late fall, when the project is complete. To learn more about EICC’s advanced manufacturing programs, visit eicc.edu/industrial.