Mattoon school district's LIFT (Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow) houses a regional innovation center for the surrounding 28 school districts in the area. The six-story, 50,000 square foot center offers a variety of work-ready and leadership training programs.
This regional innovation and technology center is a central hub for students to prepare for college or careers straight out of high school. The facility has been designed to support programs for Communications, Childcare, Information Technology, HVAC/Green Energy, Manufacturing, Architecture & Construction, Leadership, Culinary Arts and Hospitality.
LIFT focuses on developing young adults by teaching leadership to every student, creating a culture of student empowerment, and aligning systems to drive results in academics.
Explore. Lead. LIFT. Watch now!
- Adaptive Reuse
- Leadership Training
- Work-ready Programming
- Serves 28 Regional Districts
- Hands-On Learning
- Makerspaces
Located at the heart of a small town that is rich in history, the 1928 building is a symbol of the community. Since 1975, the facility previously housed an innovative company that specialized in connecting others through technology and a workplace that valued collaboration and idea sharing.
Today, the iconic building and site provide the opportunity to serve future generations. With the ability to use the site virtually as it was, design focus was directed to renovating the inside. The facility is now a direct reflection of the values and efforts that lived within its walls for years prior, re-imagined to house a community of students from different backgrounds available to 28 school districts.
A competition gym addition, with secure entry and office suite, increases health and wellness opportunities for students and staff, while addressing the district-wide space shortage for student activities. The addition serves as a new front door for visitors, creating a positive first impression for Heyworth CUSD #4.
Despite facing significant obstacles, including a flood-prone location and limitations on modifying existing structures, the district persevered, eventually resulting in a groundbreaking new building addition that redefined the school’s entrance and functionality.
This renovation and new addition project turned into an opportunity to not only unify an outdated and disconnected school building, but also bring unification to a student body and community.