CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — At its first-ever media day, Parkland College unveiled new facilities that will look to provide prospective students with the chance to learn about education opportunities at the college.
The event, held on Parkland’s campus, introduced members of the media to two new facilities that will look to educate middle and high school students in Parkland’s District 505 on educational pathways available to them.
With the fall of 2026 set to recognize the college’s 60th anniversary, the school unveiled its Cobra Pathfinder and Career Exploration Room, both filled with stations that look to provide young students with a look at what they could pursue at Parkland.
The new facilities are described as “a practical way to explore a variety of career opportunities and educational pathways.”
The project was funded through grants from the Illinois Community College Board, with the Pathfinder costing an estimated $230 thousand, according to Cindy Smith, the Career Exploration Program Manager.
The custom-built vehicle is designed to carry over a dozen learning stations, which can inform attendees on multiple subjects, including agriculture, automotive, health professions, and welding. While Smith says there are plans to expand, it currently holds six different career exploration stations, which act as a mobile education unit.
The exploration room, which has been repurposed from a computer lab, also has a few other stations, including an aviation simulator, and 3D printers. A spokesperson told Chambana Today that the stations will act as a way for students curious about Parkland to learn about what the school has to offer without interfering with ongoing classroom activities.
The Cobra Pathfinder can travel to schools and public events. The stations, each manned with wheels on the bottom, are mobile, meaning they can be lifted off the vehicle and into schools for use.
Those interested in the Pathfinder and the Career Exploration Room are encouraged to visit Parkland’s Career and Community Engagement page.
