Crowder College has embarked on an ambitious project in Joplin, recently filing an $11.9 million building permit to renovate a newly acquired facility located at 3405 S. Hammons Blvd. This building, formerly known as the Victory Ministry & Sports Complex, was purchased to facilitate the college’s ongoing commitment to workforce training in the region. With renovations expected to conclude in time for a projected opening in the fall of 2025, this initiative signals Crowder’s proactive approach to addressing local educational and training needs. The acquisition was significantly supported by federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, which contributed $6 million toward the overall $7.5 million purchase price of the 67,000-square-foot building and its 40 acres. The remaining funds came from Crowder’s reserves, underlining the college’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure.
Since its establishment of programs at the Joplin Advanced Training and Technology Center (ATTC) in 2017, Crowder College has been a critical player in regional workforce development, offering an array of courses designed to meet local industry demands. The ATTC, located at 420 Grand Ave. near the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, serves as a vital hub for adult education and training, which has grown in importance as workforce demands have shifted in recent years. According to Crowder College President Katricia Pierson, the college has witnessed a significant increase in student enrollment, partly due to heightened demand for short-term training programs. This acquisition will allow Crowder College to better serve its growing student population and expand its training programs to meet the evolving needs of the local economy.
The strategic partnership that led to the creation of the ATTC involved the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Crowder College, and the Workforce Innovation Board of Southwest Missouri. Through a collaborative approach, the chamber foundation purchased the initial facility with $3.9 million in federal grant funding received from the city of Joplin. Crowder has since leased the facility, which has allowed the college to provide adult education and workforce training. Furthermore, the city allocated an additional $1.6 million in federal grants to equip the ATTC, demonstrating a collective effort to bolster workforce development in the area.
The current Joplin facility offers just over 30,000 square feet, but the new building will effectively double Crowder’s instructional space, providing a much-needed expansion of resources and facilities to accommodate more students and training programs. In the current semester alone, nearly 200 students are engaged in over 1,800 hours of coursework at the ATTC. This impressive capacity indicates a strong desire for workforce training in practical and technical fields, reinforcing the significance of Crowder’s efforts.
The range of training programs offered by Crowder College is diverse and aimed at preparing students for high-demand careers. Planned programs in the new facility will include welding, advanced manufacturing, computer networks and support, as well as surgical technology, among others. These fields are crucial not only for the local economy but also for broader industry growth, responding to the urgent requirements of businesses in the region. The college’s commitment to noncredit training programs for area businesses further emphasizes its dedication to practical workforce solutions that can help local companies upskill their employees.
Overall, Crowder College’s acquisition and renovation of the new facility represent a strategic investment in the future of workforce development in the Joplin area. Through its expanding programs and increased capacity, the college is positioning itself to respond effectively to the needs of both students and local employers, ensuring that the workforce is well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. The collaboration demonstrated by local entities, along with the federal support provided, highlights the essential nature of collective action in addressing educational and economic needs in the community. The expected opening of the new facility in 2025 marks a significant milestone in Crowder’s mission to provide quality education and training while contributing positively to the regional economy.