Northampton Community College is now integrating itself into Bethlehem’s business and design cultures much as it became a hub of higher education and career training more than 40 years ago: By opening its doors to the neighborhood.

The new Follett Family Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the culmination of a yearslong $5 million renovation process at the 511 E. Third St. Fowler Family Southside Center, is officially available for use by not only NCC students, but community organizations and even individual residents with a desire for improvement in personal, professional or business acumen.

CIE’s mission statement is to provide an open learning environment for innovation, technology and business skills, and first floor now includes art galleries, a Starbucks-inclusive cafeteria, a vastly expanded Fab Lab, a huge open area featuring open study tables, classrooms, office spaces, “brainstorming” alcoves with whiteboards, computers and a kitchenette, all of which is open to public use. Staff members are teachers and business owners with experience in entrepreneurship programs, and are developing a specialized entrepreneurship program. It will offer new skills, cross-technology training, small business development and counseling and hold workshops and events.

Workforce Development and Community Education Dean Lauren Loeffler directed a tour for media through the site Sept. 26 (last week) and said, “We want everyone and anyone to get used to this space.”

Loeffler said individuals and small groups are welcome to grab a bite or some coffee in the new Zime restaurant/cafeteria and make use of the center’s open collaboration spaces, but asks that larger groups requiring rooms to themselves call ahead. CIE: 610-332-8659 Fab Lab: 610-332-8665