Rockford, Illinois is a global center of excellence in advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace. This critical sector of the economy is threatened by a looming shortage of engineering talent. In collaboration with industry partners and the local community college, Northern Illinois University (NIU) created a community-based, industry-integrated workforce developent solution to address the demand for engineers. Rockford area students can now earn bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and applied manufacturing technology without traveling to NIU’s main campus in DeKalb. Third and fourth year NIU courses are taught by NIU professors on the Rock Valley [Community] College (RVC) campus. Students have paid internships with area companies and are mentored by local NIU and RVC alumni. In recognition of the importance of this initiative, local industry partners launched the “Engineering our Future” fundraising campaign and raised $6 million in 9 months to support the program. The president of the lead donor company, Woodward, continues to host weekly Monday morning meetings with the higher education, industry and community leadership team to ensure the successful operation and growth of the program. The goal of the program is to facilitate a seamless transition from high school to RVC to NIU to career, developing and retaining local talent. Since its launch in Fall 2016, more than 30 students are in the third and fourth year NIU courses at RVC and the pipeline of students in pre-engineering courses at RVC has tripled, ensuring a healthy pipeline of students for growth of the program.

1. NIU Engineering @ RVC:
A Collaborative Workforce Development Solution
in Rockford, Illinois
Rena Cotsones, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President
Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development
Northern Illinois University
University Economic Development Association October , 2017

2. Real Original Rockford, Illinois

3. Challenges and Opportunities
The Bad News
• First in, last out of economic
downturn
• Educational attainment 7%
below state average
• Per capita income below state
average
• High unemployment
• Challenged K-12 public school
system
• Closest 4-year public university
(NIU) is 45 minutes away
The Good News
• Center of aerospace and
advanced manufacturing
excellence
• MSA has five Tier One
aerospace companies and
90 supporting suppliers
• 1.5 times national average
of engineers per capita
• Expansion of global
manufacturing company

4. The problem: Looming engineering talent shortage
• 100 new engineers needed per year
• 50% of existing engineering workforce
will turn over in the next 3 to 5 years
• Existing talent pool lacks diversity
• Local companies have difficulty recruiting and
retaining talent
• Best and brightest Rockford area students leave town
for college and start their careers elsewhere

5. Solution: Grow our Own Engineering Workforce
• Collaborative solution
developed by NIU, RVC,
industry and
community leaders
• Community-based,
industry-integrated
engineering program
• Mechanical engineering
and engineering
technology courses
delivered by NIU at RVC

6. Shared Vision and Rapid Execution
Project partners
• Northern Illinois University
• Rock Valley College
• Woodward
• UTC Aerospace Systems
• Rockford Area Economic
Development Council
• Transform Rockford

7. Engineering our Future Campaign
• Community campaign to raise $6 million to support building
renovations, program faculty and scholarships
• Raising an extra $1 million now for scholarships
First NIU Engineering@RVC student Bradley Robison speaks at campaign kick-off event

8. NIU Engineering @ RVC Goals
• Accelerate the development of the engineering
talent pipeline
• Assist local companies in recruitment and
retention of talent
• Enhance the innovation ecosystem
• Diversify the regional engineering workforce
• Enhance regional wealth and job creation
• Develop a culture of education and career
achievement in the Rockford area
• Create a platform for additional education/career
collaborations

9. NIU Engineering @ RVC Outcomes
Rapid program growth
Rapid, sustainable growth of
the student pipeline
Students have paid
internships
15 students in initial 3rd year
cohort, 44 students in 3rd/4th
years in Fall 2017
Enrollment in 1st and 2nd
year feeder courses at RVC
have tripled since the
program was launched
100% of students who want
an internship have one

10. Not Just an Engineering Program
Expression of community understanding and support of
a high-value economic cluster and the need to develop
the talent needed to sustain and enhance it

11. Not Just an Engineering Program
Credible option for high-potential students who have
previously left the community for school and failed to
return, depriving the region of their talents

12. Not Just an Engineering Program
Commitment to creating pathways to careers that can
transform the lives of students and their families for
generations