Shared Services and Alignment Update

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIPS ENCOURAGE PURSUIT OF HIGH-DEMAND OCCUPATIONS

DAKOTA COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Early in 2021, Uponor donated $10,000 to support Workforce Development Scholarships (WDSs) at Dakota County Technical College (DCTC).

“Uponor’s $10,000 donation helps fund $2,500 Workforce Development Scholarships for the 2021–2022 school year,” said Amy Eppen, foundation development director. “Uponor’s scholarship support is earmarked for students earning degrees in the Architectural Technology, Networking Administration and Industrial Engineering Technician programs.” Amy went on to say Walser Automotive Group contributed $10,000 specifically for students enrolled in the Auto Body Collision Technology, Automotive Technician, or GM ASEP programs. Walser aims to diversify the industry by increasing the number of women, BIPOC students, and veterans pursuing these programs of study.

Amy added that the Minnesota State Legislature will match Uponor and Walser’s donations, doubling the amount and ultimately providing 16 $2,500 scholarships for DCTC students pursuing high-demand occupations.

“In 2020–2021, DCTC was awarded $136,250 in WDS support,” Amy said. “The college hopes to award 62 scholarships for a total of $155,000 in 2021–2022.” “I am truly grateful for the Workforce

Development Scholarship I was awarded.

The funds will allow me to focus on my coursework to be successful in my field of study. The funds will also ease the financial burden on myself and my family. This scholarship is a blessing to me

”and will not be taken for granted.

DCTC HVAC student and WDS recipient

INVER HILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Inver Hills received two scholarship donations totaling $10,000 that will be matched by the WDS program for a total of $20,000. Thomson Reuters provided $5,000, which supported 10 students in STEM programs with an additional $500, for a total of $3,000 in scholarships this year. Allina Health provided a $5,000 donation that will be matched with Workforce Development funds and will provide a total of four $2,500 EMS scholarships. These donations provided four additional scholarships for students.

“Allina Health EMS is proud to be able to support scholarships at Inver Hills Community College,” said Susan Long, Allina Health EMS vice president of operations and Inver Hills Foundation Board member. “We, like many EMS agencies, are looking to hire great new people to our team, and these scholarships will help students complete their educational programs so they can begin their careers and provide care in their communities in their new roles.”

Inver Hills was awarded $118,750 in Workforce Development Scholarships in 2020–2021. In 2021–2022, the college has awarded 52 scholarships for a total of $130,000.

“I am greatly honored to have been chosen as the recipient of the Workforce Development Scholarship. As a nursing student, this scholarship will help me cover some of my tuition and motivates me to keep striving and studying hard, and it is by your grace I am pursuing my career aspirations. On behalf of me and my family, we want to thank you for

”your support in helping me chase my dreams. I will always be grateful for this.

Inver Hills Nursing student and WDS recipient

If your company would like to participate in the Workforce Development Scholarship match, please contact:

Elsbeth Howe | Development Director EHowe@inverhills.edu 651-450-3407

Amy Eppen | Development Director amy.eppen@dctc.edu 651-423-8265