New campus advances the district’s vision for connecting education, industry and workforce opportunity
TUSTIN, Calif. — The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) celebrated the October 20 grand opening of Advantech’s new North America headquarters at the Advanced Technology & Education Park (ATEP) in Tustin, marking a major milestone in the district’s efforts to bring education and industry together.
Advantech, a global leader in industrial computing and Internet of Things technologies, brings a significant industry presence to ATEP. The company’s campus includes a six-story headquarters building with research and development space and a separate two-story facility designed for warehousing and light manufacturing.
The opening builds on a partnership established through a ground lease with SOCCCD and follows the project’s October 2024 groundbreaking. The development reflects the district’s long-term vision for ATEP as a place where educational programs and industry expertise come together to support innovation and workforce preparation.
For SOCCCD and its colleges, Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College, Advantech’s presence creates a foundation for further collaboration in technology education and talent development. Bringing industry partners into proximity with college programs supports the district’s goal of connecting classroom learning with the evolving needs of employers.
Located on the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, ATEP encompasses 61.4 acres within Tustin Legacy. SOCCCD is developing the campus in partnership with its colleges to expand educational opportunities and build connections with businesses. Irvine Valley College’s IDEA Building, which opened at ATEP in 2018, supports instruction in fields including integrated design, engineering and automation.
Advantech’s grand opening represents another step in ATEP’s continued development and SOCCCD’s commitment to preparing students for careers in a changing economy.