The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced $2.7 million in Robotics Teams and STEM Internships Program grant awards to eight nonprofit organizations and education institutions across the state. SCTCC received $230,000 of the grant.
This competitive grant program, offered through DEED's Office of Youth Development, provides grants to organizations to support high school robotics teams, help prepare youth for STEM careers and create internships for high school students to work at private companies in STEM fields.
St. Cloud Technical & Community College was awarded $230,000 to provide financial support to new and existing robotics teams across Minnesota. It will also provide opportunities for students to complete STEM career explorations and create internship opportunities for high school students at established employer partners in the manufacturing sector. More information can be had by contacting Katie Frank at katarina.frank@sctcc.edu.
"STEM careers remain in high demand and these skills have applications in many areas – from medical technology companies to manufacturing organizations that are increasingly turning to robotics and automation technology that require skilled workers to operate high-tech machinery," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "Robotics programs provide our future workforce with hands-on opportunities to gain skills and comfort with technology, and early internship opportunities help students set goals and establish plans for their future education and careers."
"DEED's Office of Youth Development supports youth employment, training and education programs that provide vital experience and guidance to help young people – especially low-income and at-risk youth – succeed and acquire critical skills for current and future workplace needs," said DEED Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development Marc Majors. "Robotics team programs not only expose youth to technology and design in a purposeful and engaging way, but also help young people develop valuable teamwork, planning and strategic skills that are essential to their future career development."
Additional Robotics Teams and STEM Internships Program grant award recipients are:
- Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) – $100,000
- High Tech Kids – $730,000
- Minnesota STEM Partnership – $240,000
- Owatonna Robotics Booster Club – $80,000
- Pequot Lakes Public Schools – $120,000
- Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, Inc. – $220,000
- St. Cloud State University – $980,000