New Future Tech Building Opens at College of Eastern Idaho
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The College of Eastern Idaho is all set to unveil its new Future Tech Building, which will house several programs focused on technology and workforce development. The grand opening is anticipated to be a significant event for both the students and faculty.
Local News 8 had a chance to tour the Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech Building before the official ceremony later this week.
The building features practical learning environments for various programs, including cybersecurity, engineering, agricultural technology, energy systems, robotics, and surgical technology.
In the cybersecurity lab, students will have the opportunity to assemble desktop computers from scratch. They will then use these computers as part of their learning experience throughout the program.
One of the newest offerings at the college is its agricultural technology program. The dedicated space allows students to engage with modern farming technologies, including the use of robots and drones.
Additionally, the Future Tech Building includes “Innovation Alley,” a zone filled with 3D printers and other tools, making it a great resource for students and campus clubs to work on projects.
Many programs within the building focus on hands-on training, aiming to prepare students for the workforce with a two-year degree. The College of Eastern Idaho is also introducing a new Associate of Engineering degree for those looking to transfer to a four-year institution.
This new facility comes as CEI experiences a rise in enrollment, with about 5,000 students this fall—an increase of 7.7% from the previous year.
While the Future Tech Building emphasizes STEM and technical education, it will also have traditional classrooms for other subjects.
The surgical technology program will be relocating to this new building, as the college’s existing healthcare programs have seen consistent demand.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m., featuring notable guests such as Governor Brad Little and Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner.
After the ceremony, CEI President Lori Barber, along with representatives from Battelle Energy Alliance/INL and Frontier Credit Union, will be available for interviews.
Stay tuned for ongoing coverage of this exciting new facility following Thursday’s celebration.
