Posted: September 12, 2012
Contact: Doug Anderson, doug.anderson@MinnState.edu, 651-201-1426
State Appropriation Matched by Private Funds to Support Training in High-Demand Occupations
An infusion of more than $1.2 million in new equipment for 亚洲无码 Colleges and Universities (MnSCU), made possible by a state appropriation and private funding from businesses around the state, will support education and training in high-demand occupations.
“We greatly appreciate this financial support from the Legislature and Gov. Dayton and the matching funds from businesses to purchase state-of-the-art equipment,” said MnSCU Chancellor Steven Rosenstone. “The new equipment will help us to deliver the best training in high-demand fields such as machine technology, engineering, automotive technology, healthcare, information technology and the sciences.”
In May, the Legislature passed and Gov. Mark Dayton signed a one-time appropriation of $457,000 to MnSCU for the “leveraged” acquisition of equipment for instructional programs that produce graduates with skills in high-demand occupations. To receive Legislative Leveraged Equipment Funds, MnSCU colleges and universities were required to secure matching cash or in-kind contributions from non-state sources such as local business, vendors or foundations.
The Legislative Leveraged Equipment Fund will enable the purchase of 24 pieces of new equipment. MnSCU colleges and universities secured $731,000 in contributions from 53 businesses, four vendors and six foundations, more than matching the $457,000 state appropriation. The leveraged equipment will be installed or ordered by Dec. 31, 2012 and will serve students at 12 colleges and three universities.
“This modest effort was extremely successful,” Rosenstone said. “It is a clear demonstration of both the need and strong support for co-funding the purchase of equipment necessary to provide students with the training required to meet Minnesota’s workforce needs. This outcome is helping us to address one issue that has been clearly expressed by business and community representatives – that Minnesota employers need graduates with more experience that mirrors the latest industry practices and technologies.”
Note: See the attached list of colleges and universities that are receiving leveraged funds.