Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech Building in Partnership with Frontier Credit Union

The College of Eastern Idaho (CEI), in partnership with Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA) and Frontier Credit Union, is launching a new chapter in workforce development and STEM education. This joint effort includes constructing the impressive new building as well as creating the BEA Applied STEM Institute and Frontier Credit Union’s STEM Scholarship initiative. The facility will be formally known as the Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech Building in partnership with Frontier Credit Union.

“This is a transformative moment for CEI and our community,” said CEI President Lori Barber. “The generous contributions from BEA and Frontier Credit Union will provide our students with the tools, mentorship and opportunities they need to thrive in the evolving energy and technology sectors. These investments directly support Idaho’s workforce and economic future.”

The building will house a suite of in-demand, high-tech programs that align with the rapidly growing needs of Idaho’s industries. These programs will prepare students for careers in cybersecurity, mechatronics and automation, energy systems, battery technology, surgical technology, advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics and industrial technology, health physics, and computer networking.

Project Summary

88,000 square feet for learning and collaboration
4,800 square foot conference center
State-of-the-art classrooms
Field testing laboratories
Build laboratories
Secure Operations Center (SOC)

Why CEI?

Over 4,500 students are enrolled in CEI for FY25. That’s 215% growth since 2018.
The highest enrollment increase in the state of Idaho from Fall 2024 to Fall 2025, at over 10%.
Tuition about 1/3 of the cost of other Idaho and regional colleges and universities.
One of only a few colleges located near the Idaho National Laboratory, the nation’s nuclear energy hub and the birthplace of nuclear power.