Title of Effective Practice: - California Postsecondary Education ...

Direct Connection to Policy Area 1 of The Illinois Commitment
New Beginnings with Manufacturing Technology
Spoon River College
What issue or need is addressed by the effective practice?
This practice directly speaks to the need for current and relevant programs to address employer needs and
economic growth within the district.
Description of the effective practice:
As one of ten community colleges to receive a MentorLinks grant, Spoon River College started the process of
developing Manufacturing Technology curriculum and training. Careful timing of this project has been vital as
it has aligned with the building of the Pella plant and the expansion of NTN Bower.
This grant has provided SRC with a mentor and the two-member grant team (an administrator and a faculty
member) attended the ATE conference in October to meet the mentor and share ideas, visited Piedmont
Community College’s campus to observe and tour their new manufacturing technology facility and to acquire
knowledge from the experience of their staff.
The project team has met with Western Illinois University staff to cement relationships and to discuss the
transferability of the classes and program. The project team has also met with faculty and administration at the
Carl Sandburg College Center for Manufacturing Excellence.
This grant was obtained during this last academic year while Pella was hiring new employees, giving SRC a
unique opportunity to align training and development with the company needs from the inception under the
tutelage of an experienced mentor. Employees from Pella and NTN Bower are serving on an advisory
committee, which helps to keep the training and programs current.
The process that was used to identify the needs of the company, the use of a mentor, and the development of
curriculum aligned to industry needs could be replicated by other colleges.
How does this practice achieve sustainability?
This project will strengthen the relationships between Spoon River College and the manufacturing companies
and will provide the college staff with access to peers in the field and the knowledge to keep the programs
viable.
What are the results/measurable outcomes?
The outcomes would result in educational opportunities for currently unemployed/prospective employees, and
training for Pella/other manufacturers as unique training needs arise. The final outcome will have a significant
impact on the economy in SRC’s district.
Contact Information
Name: Dr. Peg Shroyer
Email: pshroyer@spoonrivercollege.edu
Phone: (309) 833-6029
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