Ask educators what they enjoy most about their careers, and many will say it is celebrating student success. That’s certainly true for me. At St. Cloud Technical & Community College (SCTCC), we have countless reasons to celebrate our students—and each one reflects the strength of our community partnerships.
Soon, we will honor our SCTCC nursing graduates with a traditional pinning ceremony. This event marks their transition into the professional nursing career—a moment as meaningful as commencement itself. Students reflect on their academic journey, their resilience, and their growth as future healthcare professionals. They receive a nursing pin symbolizing the honor of their achievement and take an oath to uphold the responsibilities of their profession. Every time I leave this ceremony, I feel immense pride knowing that well-trained, dedicated individuals are entering a field that impacts every family—including mine.
But these celebrations don’t happen in isolation. Behind every graduate is a network of faculty, staff, and community partners who invest their time, talents, and resources. Nursing education, for example, depends on access to clinical sites and healthcare professionals willing to mentor students in real-world settings. Without these partnerships, the pinning ceremony—and the skilled nurses it represents—would not be possible.
Graduation is always a reason to celebrate, but the success story doesn’t end there. At SCTCC, 98% of graduates seeking employment find jobs in their field of study within a year, and most choose to stay right here in our five-county region. That means the nurses, IT specialists, welders, business professionals, educators, and a multitude of other program graduates are the same people who keep our communities thriving. In fact, more than 75% of SCTCC students come from this area and remain here after graduation, contributing not only their skills but their energy and commitment to local growth.
The economic impact is undeniable. According to a recent study, SCTCC alumni contribute $72.6 million annually to our regional economy. But this success does not happen by chance—it’s the result of collaboration at every level.
Community Partnerships: A Pipeline for Success
From K–12 schools to local employers, partnerships are the backbone of student achievement. High schools work with SCTCC to offer dual-credit courses, giving students a head start on college and career pathways. Industry partners provide internships and clinical experiences that turn classroom learning into real-world skills. Employers serve on advisory boards to ensure our programs align with workforce needs, creating a seamless transition from education to employment.
One such example of this collaboration is the Career Solutions CareerOne program, recently recognized with Greater St. Cloud’s Innovation Award. CareerOne is a paid summer employment and skills-training initiative for youth ages 14-17 that builds confidence, job skills, and future workforce readiness. SCTCC proudly serves as the host site and, in partnership with Career Solutions, developed college career tracks for students interested in healthcare, manufacturing, early childhood education, and peace officer training. Youth choosing these tracks earn transferable college credits while attending the program. Early data shows that a high percentage of CareerOne students go on to college and successfully earn credentials—a true testament to the power of partnerships.
This pipeline benefits everyone: students gain confidence and skills, employers secure a trained and dependable workforce, and communities grow stronger. When education, industry, and community work together, we don’t just graduate students—we build futures. And that’s something to celebrate.
It Matters
Celebrating student success is more than a feel-good moment; it’s a reflection of a thriving ecosystem. Every graduate who stays local strengthens our healthcare system, our businesses, and our neighborhoods. Every partnership between schools, colleges, employers, and the community ensures that education remains relevant and impactful.
So, the next time you hear about a pinning ceremony, a commencement celebration, or an award honoring innovation, know that it represents more than individual achievement. It’s a testament to what happens when a community invests in its people—and when education and partnerships create prosperity. That’s certainly worth celebrating.