Welcome to the 518 Collective @ Sandburg
Sandburg has been awarded a $1.8 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to create an agriculture tech-focused incubator in downtown Galesburg.
The incubator — known as the 518 Collective, a nod to Sandburg District No. 518 — will provide physical workspace, business development services, workforce trainings, mentorship and networking opportunities to help individuals and early-stage companies succeed.
Impact
The 518 Collective @ Sandburg is more than a space — it’s a commitment to the future of innovation in West Central Illinois. It will enhance our region’s entrepreneurial landscape by offering a launchpad for technology startups in the rapidly evolving agricultural technology sector. Powered by Sandburg’s educational strength, deep industry partnerships and trusted community connections, the 518 Collective will cultivate an ecosystem where citizens, organizations and businesses can thrive. It will be a place where ideas take root, businesses take shape and futures are built.
The proposed capital improvements will transform an underutilized space into a vibrant hub of creativity, discovery and growth. Equipped with the tools, technologies and facilities that early stage companies need to move from concept to commercialization, the 518 Collective will remove barriers and accelerate potential.
What sets this initiative apart is its wraparound support: mentorship, training, resource sharing and connections to the broader innovation economy. This dynamic environment will dramatically increase the likelihood of success for startups and small businesses. The 518 Collective embodies the very spirit of the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grant Program — strengthening Illinois’ tech network, fortifying the resilience of our entrepreneurial ecosystem and advancing startups in agriculture and technology that will shape our future.
Scope
The 518 Collective will build on Sandburg’s existing services and regional partnerships, serving as a hub for technology-focused startups and entrepreneurs in West Central Illinois, with a primary focus on ag tech startups.
The 518 Collective will provide physical workspace, workforce training, business development services, mentorship and networking opportunities to help early stage companies succeed. The incubator will fill a critical need in Sandburg’s wide rural district, where agriculture is a leading industry, but no business incubators exist to serve the up-and-coming ag technicians and businesses projected to grow the industry.
Goals
Empower student entrepreneurs.
By creating a hub specifically tailored to agricultural technology, students will have real-world opportunities to explore advanced ag-related projects, interact with mentors and leverage cutting-edge equipment to launch or refine their own business ideas. This not only will deepen hands-on learning but also inspire future innovators to remain in — and serve — our region.
Stimulate workforce development.
As a dedicated tech incubator, the 518 Collective will spur job creation and skill-building opportunities in next-generation agriculture, food processing and other high-growth fields. By collaborating with regional businesses, economic development organizations and local workforce boards, the incubator will be pivotal in helping our students and local jobseekers gain competitive, future-focused skill sets.
Foster collaboration and community partnerships.
The 518 Collective will function as a catalyst for bridging partnerships between the college, private investors, local entrepreneurs and nearby industry stakeholders. Hosting community-driven events, networking opportunities and training sessions will ensure our district youth, alumni and all citizens can tap into new resources, explore entrepreneurial pathways and benefit from shared expertise.
Enhance regional economic vitality.
Our district’s strong ties to agriculture make it the perfect setting for a state-of-the-art agricultural technology incubator. Upgraded facilities and modern equipment will strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, create a robust pipeline of talent for local businesses, and help attract new enterprises seeking a collaborative space focused on agricultural innovation.
Support underserved and low-income communities.
This program will broaden outreach to rural, underserved and first-generation students, helping them access education and resources critical to launching or joining high-growth startups. The 518 Collective’s emphasis on workforce readiness and inclusivity aligns with the values and mission upheld by both Sandburg and the Foundation.
To learn more, email or call Eric Johnson, vice president of advancement, at 309.341.5349.
Sandburg adds bus lane and resurfaces parking lot
For those visiting Sandburg's Galesburg campus, it's worth noting that ongoing renovation work on the bus lane and parking lot A resurfacing is underway, which restricts access to parking lot A through mid-June.
Galesburg Transit
The temporary drop-off/pick-up location for Galesburg Transit buses will be restricted to the circle drive at building D.
Accessibility parking
The circle drive by building A will be available for visitors and students with accessibility needs visiting the testing center. There are marked accessible spaces that will continue to be available.
Available parking & walkways
Parking will be available in lot C, and the sidewalks and main entrances in front of the Science & Technology Center and the Student Center will be accessible during the project.
Contact Public Safety with any questions.
SANDBURG'S RENOVATED STUDENT CENTER: A HUB FOR CAMPUS LIFE
The newly renovated Student Center, which opened its doors on March 17, 2025, now stands as a vibrant center of the Sandburg main campus, representing one of the most significant transformation projects undertaken in years.
This modern facility houses essential student services including admissions, academic advising, financial aid, tutoring and accessibility support, career counseling and student leadership development, as well as collaborative study rooms and Innkeeper’s Coffee. It's part of an ambitious campus improvement initiative that serves as a blueprint for enhancing student experience and community engagement at Sandburg in the years ahead.
"The Student Center embodies our commitment to putting students first in everything we do," President Dr. Seamus Reilly said. "This center creates an environment where students can access support, connect with peers and engage with faculty in one beautiful, accessible space."
Designed by Farnsworth Group and constructed by River City Construction, this impressive space features floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light, offering panoramic views of the campus interior while serving as a contemporary hub for student life. The center consolidates previously scattered services into a centralized location, creating a seamless experience for both new and returning students.
"What makes this space truly special is how it eliminates barriers between services while creating an inviting atmosphere that students actually want to spend time in," Reilly said. "Whether you're coming to meet with an advisor, study with friends or simply relax between classes, the center welcomes everyone with its open design and comfortable spaces."
The Science & Technology Center
The multimillion-dollar Science & Technology Center, which broke ground on April 26, 2023, now serves as the crown jewel of the Galesburg campus, representing the most impactful project undertaken since its primary construction in 1969.
This state-of-the-art facility, houses programs for health professions, natural sciences, nursing and dental hygiene, as well as a business center and wellness suite, and it welcomed its first-ever students for the 2024 fall semester. It’s part of an updated campus master plan that serves as a roadmap for improvements and developments on Sandburg’s grounds in the coming years.
“The campus master plan provides the college direction for the immediate future and also allows us to envision the ways in which Sandburg can continue to grow to support our district,” President Dr. Seamus Reilly said. “As Carl Sandburg said, ‘Nothing happens unless first a dream,’ and this plan allows for some immediate response to the critical workforce and economic development needs of our district but also allows us the opportunity to reimagine the campus to prepare for future generations.”
Designed by Farnsworth Group and built by River City Construction, the multi-story, 46,733-square-foot space offers views of Lake Storey on the inside edge of the campus in addition to serving as a modern-age classroom facility. It allows the college to have a centralized location for its Welcome Center and student development offices, making it a one-stop shop for students.
“It has the advantage of really completing all of the main circulation issues (for prospective and current students) as well as centralizing a lot of the functions, and making it a very dramatic and obvious destination point — no matter how you approach campus,” Reilly said.
Discuss naming an interior space in the Science & Technology Center or another campus area.
More campus updates on the horizon
Additional phases for the campus master plan include renovations to update the Student Center, which are underway now, as well as the Charger Center, an athletic and conference center that will vastly expand the athletics capabilities of the campus and allow the community to host events of a grand scale.