GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- What looks like a normal house from outside, will be used by students inside as a crime scene simulation lab.

Central Community College students in Grand Island will now get hands on experience with one of three crime scene houses in Nebraska, and the only one in central Nebraska. 

After over four years of working on the project, criminal justice instructor Michael David said he’s excited the house is ready. 

“It’s a way to really engage students, you know we have and adult bedroom, a teenager's bedroom and a nursery," David said. "So, think of all the things that we can do. We can simulate crimes.“

At Thursday’s open house, each room displayed a different scenario. Scenarios will be changed depending on what’s being taught. 

Criminal Justice Major Melissa Veliz expects the house to add to her education.

“Just hand on experience, like, just more hands on and seeing what is actually is like, and visually, to see it," Veliz said. "Because I’m a visual learner like oh this is what is actually going on, and not just like oh is like in my head.” 

Thanks to a grant through the band Metallica's non-profit, CCC gave 75 scholarships last year and 50 this year to Criminal Justice students. 

David thinks that the crime scene simulation lab will not only benefit current students, but also attract students to the program.

“Studies show the more someone is engaged, the more they are going to learn, the more they are going to stick with it," David said. "I think it’ll improve our completions, our graduations and also our recruitment. I got two high schools already scheduled to come through here, and they are going to see that, and what 17-year-old comes into a crime house and doesn’t go oh cool, you know, I want to do that."

The Crime Scene House will be available to outside agencies. The State Patrol, the Sheriff's Department and local probation have already shown interest in using it for training.