Thanks to the generous support of 3M, Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) debuted a new learning space on the Saint Paul College campus for the 2022-2023 school year. The transformation, led by national education nonprofit Heart of America, features new classrooms and an outdoor courtyard where students can pursue college courses, industry certifications, and internships.

As part of 3M's commitment to educational equity, the company has committed to investing more than $5 million over four years to support the St. Paul Public School system's Career Technical Education (CTE). Last year, 3M supported programming that would allow SPPS students to take skilled trades classes that provide college credit and/or industry certifications. 3M's support of this project makes these classes more accessible to all SPPS students. In partnership with Heart of America, this project enables students at the Career Pathways Center to explore careers, take career and technical education classes, and earn high school and college credit.

3M's investment in this program will give students from all SPPS high schools equitable access to college courses offered by faculty from numerous post-secondary institutions, including Bethel University, Century College, Dakota County Technical College, Minneapolis Community & Technical College, Minnesota State University - Mankato, Online College in the High Schools, Saint Catherine's University and Saint Paul College.

Career Pathways are part of the SPPS Strategic Plan led by Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard and the visionary work of the late Darren Ginther, SPPS Director of the Office of College and Career Readiness. SPPS extends their gratitude for the long-term commitment of anchor partners 3M, Greater Twin Cities United Way, and Right Track Center for Youth Employment for believing in our students.

About the Heart of America Foundation
Heart of America is a national organization specializing in renovating learning spaces and filling education resource gaps. For over 25 years, Heart of America's specialized team has worked to build a more equitable education system in historically underinvested communities through their unique partnerships with school districts, community centers, and sponsors. Heart of America has served more than two million students in need by distributing more than 4.3 million books, investing $7.5 million in technology, and transforming over 800 community spaces, including public libraries, athletic facilities, technology labs, workforce development centers, and schools in historically under-invested communities across North America and Puerto Rico.

About Saint Paul Public Schools
At Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS), our mission is both bold and simple: to inspire students to think critically, pursue their dreams and change the world. SPPS is Minnesota's second-largest school district, educating approximately 34,000 students across 68 schools. Highly trained and deeply dedicated staff, cutting-edge academic programs, and strong community support are among the district's hallmarks. Our students speak more than 114 languages, sharing their ideas and cultures with their classmates and teachers every single day.