The foundation was established by Dr. Howard D. Sims, president of Highland Community College from 1975 to 1980.
[citation needed] Highland is located in Freeport, Illinois on 140 acres (or 56.6 ha).
The college's sports complex is also the local YMCA, to which Highland's students who are carrying 12 or more credit hours a semester can receive a free membership.
On Route 20, Highland West offered residents of Jo Daviess county an easy commute to classes.
In 2007, the Elizabeth campus started offering a Certified Nurse Assistant course.