Empowering individuals to drive positive change through innovation and entrepreneurship, our mission is to cultivate a dynamic ecosystem where cutting-edge technology, a growth mindset, and collaborative spirit converge to address societal challenges and foster sustainable progress.
Pioneering the future of innovation, our vision is to be a global hub where ideas flourish, entrepreneurs thrive, and transformative solutions emerge. We aspire to create a world where the power of innovation propels us towards a more interconnected, sustainable, and equitable future.
This creative space is designed to unite all communities, helping individuals achieve their dreams—whether academic, business-oriented, entrepreneurial, personally enriching, or simply for fun.
The CIE is a state-of-the-art facility that leaves a lasting impression on all who enter, made possible by the generous support of many, most notably The Follett Family, after whom the center is named.
A $2.5 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education was matched by private philanthropy through the college’s Transforming Lives campaign. Don, Mibs, Steven, and Jeanne Follett made a significant donation to this campaign in support of the CIE.
Commitment from Generous Supporters
"We are committed to this community, because we made our lives here, so we want to see it succeed," Don Follett, former President and CEO of Follett Corporation, said. "Having started a business in this area, and hiring people over the years, I know the better trained the employees are, the better quality of work they do, which is an incredible asset for people starting businesses here."
Steven Follett, former CEO/President at Follett Corporation and a member of NCC's Foundation Board, has had firsthand experience with how effective NCC is in training people for jobs. Follett Corporation has partnered with NCC for supervisory, welding and refrigeration training, among other instructions for many years.
"I have always had an affinity for the college because of its excellent value and affordable cost," he said. "When the Transforming Lives campaign started, we knew we wanted to be a part of it. Thinking about where to invest, the importance of entrepreneurship in our economy resonated with us. That's how jobs get created and our community becomes stronger."
In addition, the Keystone Savings Foundation and the Foltz family established chairs in entrepreneurship which will support the programming of the Center. There are also many other supporters of the CIE.
The seeds for the CIE were planted from the generosity of Drs. W. Beall and Marlene O. "Linny" Fowler, a prominent philanthropic couple who were the leading donors to the Fowler Family Southside Center in 2005. In 2013, the community mourned the passing of Linny. Her husband Beall has been able to witness the final stages in the couple's dream for the CIE.
"I've been following the Fab Lab with awe and interest since its development. These new facilities are terrific, not just for the college, but the community, which is already making great use of all the possibilities," reflected Fowler. "What I like about the Southside is that it has a different kind of energy. That combined with the CIE creating even more opportunities for the community is exciting."
