Illinois college breaks ground on $14.2 million Career and Technical Education Center

John A. Logan College broke ground this month on a $14.2 million Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center. 

The facility will house the college’s welding, HVAC and automotive programs, a press release says. 

According to a release, the new center will provide access to modern equipment and industry-standard labs. 

Scott Wernsman, associate dean of Career & Technical Education, said during a ground breaking event that a new space will be created for the auto collision program during the project. He also claimed that the collision program was the only program in Southern Illinois, however, the dividing line of Southern Illinois is often disputed in the state. 

Kirk Overstreet, college president, said the groundbreaking celebrates a shared commitment from the community. 

“These programs are designed specifically to meet the evolving need of our local workforce and to drive economic growth across Southern Illinois,” Overstreet said. “The expansion is not just about brick and mortar, it is about building pathways to good-paying jobs, supporting our local employers and strengthening our regional economy. Most importantly, it is about our students. We believe in you and this building is a promise to your future.” 

According to Autobody News, the project will include a new auto body paint booth and dedicated RV repair bay. 

Thee project is partly funded by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), with matching funds committed by the college. 

Construction will start immediately and is expected to be completed by December 2026. 

Industry certificates offered by the college include the Auto Collision Technology basic certificate, Auto Collision Technology master certificate, Automotive Services Technology basic certificate, Automotive Services Technology master certificate, Automotive Services Technology hybrid and EV certificate. The college also offers an Auto Services Associate in Applied Science.

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) recently announced that so far this year, 163 future collision industry professionals have benefitted from CREF’s annual Student Scholarship program, adding up to over $275,000 in tuition assistance and tools.

CREF’s 2025 Student Scholarships accounted for $181,900 of the funds distributed to collision students, while nearly $50,000 in tools were distributed via in-kind donations made to the foundation to provide students with high-quality tools as they begin to build their toolboxes.

This year, WIN awarded $34,500 in scholarships, plus an additional $10,000 worth of tool kits to 40 young women pursuing collision careers. This was the second year that WIN partnered with CREF to administer its scholarship program and expand its reach.

State Farm also supported CREF’s efforts to aid students in their studies with a donation of $40,000 toward student scholarships, which was split between 17 students.

PPG and the PPG Foundation donated $37,000 in scholarships, which was distributed among 13 students.

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Photo of groundbreaking of John A. Logan College Career and Technical Education Center courtesy of John A. Logan College.