generosity

GOLD STAR GIVING Education Funds Invest in Teacher, Student Success

Though in existence just two years at the end of 2019, the Albany Area Education Foundation has built a $70,000-plus endowment and has awarded numerous school-based grants. The effort is powered by an Initiative Foundation partnership with a team of advisers who are invested in education and the opportunities it can bring to students and teachers alike.

Curiosity

EPICALLY INTERESTING Career Exploration Event Showcases Local Opportunities

More than 3,300 high school students experienced the second annual Exploring Potential Interests & Careers (EPIC) at St. Cloud Technical and Community College with support from an Initiative Foundation grant. Volunteers and businesses from throughout the Greater St. Cloud area introduced students to career opportunities ranging from automotive and agriculture to construction, manufacturing and the sciences.

ENTERPRISING INDIVIDUALS Enterprise Academy Fast-Tracks Entrepreneurs, Ideas

About 20 Enterprise Academy students completed a 12-week educational course in 2019, including cohort No. 4, which celebrated with a December graduation ceremony at the Whitney Senior Center in St. Cloud. The Enterprise Academy provides training, one-on-one consulting and access to a lending program to help early stage entrepreneurs start and grow vital small businesses.

Innovation

THE ARC OF OPPORTUNITY Welding Whim Sets Schuller on Career Course

It was something of a lark: Willow Schuller was in the waning years of high school, on track to further her education in nursing, when she made a snap decision to try a welding course. It provided an unexpected arc of opportunity as Schuller landed a technical college scholarship and then a full-time job with a local manufacturer.

* Excludes $519,000 in grant deobligations and repaid grant funds for our Healthy Lakes & Rivers program.

Total Assets: $81.8 Million Endowment Value: 60.1 Million