Laker Nation News

Lake Land College President Josh Bullock announced Wednesday that the college’s new master building plan includes funding for construction of the Rural Development Technology Center in Effingham.

The new construction is expected to begin in 2022 and will be adjacent to the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology. The center will house the Effingham Regional Career Academy as well as additional classroom and lab space. The goal is to have 150 area students participating in the academy within the first year and provide a space for the partnered programs such as welding and manufacturing skills now held at area high schools. The center will offer opportunities for high school students, in addition to adult students, to gain in-demand workforce skills.

“The goal is to make sure that opportunities are available to students, regardless of what school district they reside in. We plan to meet the needs of our students, community members and district employers,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said.

The center will focus on providing educational opportunities to train for careers in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, technology and transportation.

Through decades of conservative fiscal management the college will be able to implement these new construction plans without raising property taxes.

“The Lake Land College Board of Trustees is committed to our communities,” Bullock said. “It’s important that we provide opportunities for students to train for life sustaining careers within their hometowns.”

For more information about the Effingham Regional Career Academy, visit effinghamregionalcareeracademy.com.

For more information about Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu.