The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation has selected Saint Paul College as one of two colleges in Minnesota to receive a $500,000 grant for a CTE Pathways award. This award will fund the​ Expansion of the CTE Career Pathway Opportunities through Early Exposure and Experiences project. This project will provide hands-on experiences for high school students to explore interests in various high-wage careers that require a two-year college degree or less. Once in college, the project provides academic, social, and financial supports to help students graduate and successfully enter the workforce.

Healthcare and Advanced Manufacturing pathways are key career growth fields where students may receive credentials within one to two years that propel them into high-wage careers and opportunities for career advancement. Some of these programs, such as CNC Toolmaking, Surgical Technician, and Welding, are not as well-known, and it is essential to provide early exposure to these opportunities. This early exposure will help students explore their interests, assess various industry settings and jobs, and prepare for their transition to college. As the project gets underway, Saint Paul College will begin in partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) and expand to other local high schools.

This grant aims to increase the accessibility of in-demand career options to high school students, leading to college success and a family-sustaining career. This two-year project focuses specifically on enhancing English language support for healthcare programs, increasing student scholarships, decreasing student costs, offering experiences to explore various career settings, and becoming a hub for industry experiences. The Schulze Family Foundation grant provides unique and relevant programming options for students to explore their future, transition into college, graduate successfully, and enter a career of their choice.

For further information, contact Katie Pierre.