Connect with Purpose: Investing in Lake County's Workforce and Community

Education drives the economy and outcomes for communities. College of Lake County is committed to enhancing the vitality of the region’s workforce by building meaningful, results-driven partnerships with employers, educators and community leaders. These collaborations ensure that students are educated and equipped to meet the workforce needs of the region’s dynamic, evolving economic ecosystem.

“CLC is creating pathways to prosperity that uplift individuals and energize our local economy,” said Vice President of Community and Workforce Partnerships Dr. Ali O’Brien. “When we align education paths with industry needs, we create opportunity for students, families and the entire region.”

A Strategic Response to a Workforce Pipeline Crisis

Beginning in 2019, amid growing concerns about workforce shortages across industries, CLC conducted research, leading to a clear, data driven conclusion to focus on addressing the talent pipeline crisis in sectors critical to Lake County’s economic stability.

O’Brien explained, “We studied labor trends, listened to our industry partners and asked a critical question: Where can we make the biggest impact? The answer led us to manufacturing.”

Manufacturing: The Economic Powerhouse of Lake County

Lake County is the second-largest manufacturing county in Illinois, generating approximately $48 billion in economic output. One in every seven jobs in the region is related to manufacturing, and manufacturing is constantly changing. The Industrial Revolution 4.0 introduced automation, robotics and precision technologies requiring a more skilled and technologically fluent workforce. Modern factories are no longer loud, gritty spaces. They are clean, efficient and filled with advanced equipment that demands logic, accuracy and technical know-how.

To address these realities, CLC made a bold investment by transforming a vacant big-box retail store into the Advanced Technology Center (ATC). Opened in 2022, the ATC features cutting-edge machinery, hands-on learning spaces and industry-grade laboratories. CLC invested approximately $37 million in construction, equipment and upgrades, along with more than $500,000 to employ expert faculty, lab assistants and operational staff.

Regional Hub

The ATC is now a regional hub for manufacturing, education and community engagement. Thousands of students have received training on the industry-standard equipment, including many high school students who take dual credit classes to earn college credits before graduation. The ATC’s two flagship programs—Industrial Technology and Welding and Fabrication Technology—are designed with flexible schedules so students can attend classes and work or manage other responsibilities. Classes are led by instructors with technical expertise and workforce experience.

ATC Director Dr. Jon Hardbarger said, “We’re ensuring the next generation has the technical skills to drive American manufacturing long into the future. The ATC is also a place where the Lake County community connects and explores technology and manufacturing. We’re thrilled to host high school manufacturing events, robotic competitions and community and corporate gatherings.”

At the ATC, community members engage in tours, industry meetings and events to raise awareness about modern manufacturing. Each year, the team welcomes hundreds of local leaders, families and school groups, and has even hosted pop-up exhibits from Kohl Children’s Museum designed to interest the youngest community members. Every visit to the ATC helps dispel outdated notions about what a manufacturing site looks and feels like and inspires new generations to consider careers in this essential field.

Securing Resources and Building Regional Alliances

The success of the ATC has attracted nearly $10 million in external resources from prominent organizations including the National Science Foundation, Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation, the Workforce Equity Initiative, the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the U.S. Department of Labor. These investments support scholarships, expand access and enhance training opportunities.

Executive Director of Community Programs Jim Connell said, “Our aim is to be the driving force in Lake County, connecting employers with vital resources—our students, community members, fellow businesses and even funding opportunities from our partners at Lake County Workforce Development.” CLC works with each of these groups as a strong advocate to bring them together in both formal and informal ways.

“That’s the role of our team: connector, catalyst, and champion for collaboration,” said Connell. “When these connections happen, Lake County grows stronger.”

To further advance the regional workforce ecosystem, CLC launched the Manufacturing Alliance, a coalition of employers, educators and advocates who collectively model excellence in the field. The Alliance serves as a platform to shift perceptions of manufacturing, strengthen local supply chain connections and align industry needs with educational programming. By fostering shared expertise, this group reinforces CLC’s role as a convener of innovation and opportunity.

Expanding Impact To All Industries

While manufacturing remains a top priority, CLC’s strategic workforce initiatives extend to other highdemand industries. For example, the college received a multi-year $3.54 million Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce Program grant to help students pursue careers in healthcare fields like nursing, surgical technology and phlebotomy. These programs address the critical need for healthcare professionals across Lake County, while reducing students’ financial barriers through stipends that pay for tuition and fees. The funds also pay for new equipment, tutoring services and support staff.

Education is another sector of focus. Thanks to a donation from the Schreiber Foundation, CLC hired faculty to deliver early childhood education instruction entirely in Spanish. This initiative not only supports Spanish-speaking students but also ensures culturally responsive teaching that meets the needs of Lake County’s multilingual families and communities.

Institutionalizing Community Investment

These efforts will continue to be guided by the 2030 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes community vibrancy. What began as a focused effort within CLC’s Community and Workforce Partnerships unit has evolved into a collegewide commitment to community investment. The 2030 Plan reflects a shift in mindset to ensuring external partnerships are embedded across the entire institution.

“Every unit, classroom and initiative is now seen as an opportunity to invest in the external community,” said O’Brien. “CLC is not only building external partnerships; it is also refining internal structures to support and sustain them. This philosophy ensures the college is prepared to meet the future with intention, accountability and collaboration.”

A Collective Commitment to Lake County’s Future

Through bold investments in facilities like the ATC, strategic partnerships across sectors and a vision grounded in equity and innovation, CLC is creating a more inclusive, skilled and economically vibrant region.

“‘Connect with purpose’ is our call to action,” O’Brien said. “It’s how we’ll continue to lead, partner and grow alongside the communities we proudly serve.”

CLC will continue to lead with purpose, ensuring every connection strengthens the foundation for a more resilient, inclusive and prosperous Lake County.