With funding from the state of Missouri's Regional Technical Education Council, Centers of Excellence were established in the late 1990s to provide advanced technology training on state-of-the-art equipment for high-wage jobs in high-demand occupations.

STLCC's centers earned the 2002 Missouri Community College Association's Technology Innovation Award.

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  The Advanced Network Training Center (ANTC) at Forest Park is the resource of choice for individuals and organizations seeking skills-driven education in the design, implementation and support of current and emerging computer networking and communications technologies.

  
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  The Digital Arts and Technology Alliance (DATA) at Meramec was established to meet the demand for training in digital arts and to integrate technology resources in the areas of architectural design, digital media, interior design, landscaping design and video editing. The Center for Visual Technology, a DATA component, features state-of-the-art computer graphics equipment and software to train students for careers in emerging visual arts areas.

  
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  The Emerson Center for Engineering and Manufacturing at Florissant Valley offers a comprehensive program in manufacturing, engineering and related technologies.The facility design was based on input from business/industry and educational partners and was modeled by external and internal planning groups.

  
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  The new Center for Plant and Life Sciences has been developed in response to plant and life science industry demands. Drawing on the strength of relevant programming across the district, the center interfaces with business and industry to bring STLCC students a cutting-edge education and to provide workforce training in this growing industry.