Richland Community College
EN-5: Outreach Campaign

Richland Community College's Mobile Biofuels Laboratory is much more than just a place where biodeisel is made. As a mobile processor, it can travel to events, schools, and workshops anywhere. It can be used at events as a working processor display and can be integrated with fun games and information for children and adults. The trainer consists of three portable training units, consisting of ethanol, biodiesel, and liquid-liquid extraction, that are fitted inside the trailer. In addition to water and waste water connections, the trainer is equipped to be self-powered (biodiesel generator) or connected into conventional building systems. The trainer comes hardwired to accommodate both low voltage requirements for on-board computer and audio/video systems, as well as high voltage requirements for process lighting, heating and cooling, temperature, and safety requirements. Funding for this unit was received through Congressman Phil Hare and Congressman Tim Johnson in the federal fiscal year 2009 budget, and administered through the U.S. Department of Education. Richland is proud to showcase this unique "biofuels classroom on wheels," and welcomes all opportunities to educate interested parties about the potential green careers in biofuels and its positive affects on our planet.

The unit has been presented at a number of primary and secondary level schools, providing student a knowledge of how humans effect the environment and hopes to foster a respect for it. The Lab is accessible and informative, and in addition to being used as an interactive learning module, it allows for questions to be tested in the field.

Progress City at Richland is the site of bi-annual Farm Progress Show, which is the largest outdoor agricultural trade show in th United States which is part of the College campus. The last Farm Progress show took place in 2013. Progress City USA is a division of Richland Community College and was developed through local, state, and federal partnerships. It was designed and constructed in 305 days to provide a semi-permanent home for the Farm Progress Show from 2005-2025. The Farm Progress Company hosts the national Farm Progress Show bi-annually in odd numbered years at the Progress City site. The gated city is approximately 80 acres, and the remainder is parking. This multi-purpose facility provides the community and College with social, economic, and sustainable development benefits through its numerous varied future events. The Farm Progress Show is a venue for multi-faceted events that contribute to the education, economic development and recreation of Central Illinois and beyond. Its Mission is to provide a premier outdoor convention center utilizing local, state and national partnerships that develop a northeast corridor of economic opportunity and growth. Richland employees are encouraged to attend and participate in the events.

Approximately 200,000 people, including Richland students, Richland faculty and employees, and the public attended the event in 2013.