Robbinsdale Area Schools and Hennepin Technical College Announce New Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2019
NEW HOPE, Minn. – Robbinsdale Area Schools (RAS) and Hennepin Technical College (HTC) are excited to announce a new partnership, which will strengthen pathways to skilled trades and technical education. The collaborative partnership will also enhance communications about workforce readiness with students and families at both educational institutions.
“Partnering with Hennepin Technical College aligns with our district’s mission to inspire and educate all learners to develop their unique potential and positively contribute to their community, ” stated Dr. Carlton D. Jenkins, Superintendent of Robbinsdale Area Schools.
The partnership is a natural fit for the two institutions, as both are committed to technical education.
- RAS recently updated its School Board-approved Unified District Vision to include articulated skilled trades, specifically stating “Robbinsdale Area Schools is committed to ensuring every student graduates career, articulated skilled trades and college ready.” As such, the focus of the district’s upcoming Parent and Student University on Saturday, May 4 at Cooper High School in New Hope is articulated skilled trades.
- HTC’s mission is to provide excellence in career and technical education for employment and advancement in an ever-changing global environment. In an effort to continually enhance the workforce pipeline, HTC leverages strong industry partnerships and industry partners serve on HTC advisory committees.
“With a 99 percent job placement rate for our graduates, Hennepin Technical College is demonstrating that we have created an educational environment that is responsive to the needs of students and industry,” said Dr. Merrill Irving, Jr., president, Hennepin Technical College. “Our partnership with Robbinsdale Area Schools will provide students with opportunities to learn in-demand skills needed to secure high-paying jobs.”
Both institutions are also committed to advancing equity and inclusion.
- RAS has a diverse student population, which speaks 86 different languages at home, as well as a rich history of engaging diverse populations through an equity lens. In July 2018, the School Board of RAS adopted an Equity policy, explicitly stating its commitment “to assure access and opportunity for ALL students, while eliminating gaps in performance based on race, socio-economic status, and language.”
- HTC has a diverse student population with 63% of the students coming from underrepresented populations. The college is ranked 29th nationally for granting Associate’s degrees for women and minorities in Engineering Technologies and Engineering as reported in the December 2018 publication of Diverse Issues in Higher Education.
The mission of Robbinsdale Area Schools is to inspire and educate all learners to develop their unique potential and positively contribute to their community. Robbinsdale Area Schools serves approximately 12,000 students in seven communities in the northwest Twin Cities area, including Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Plymouth and Robbinsdale. There are 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools, an alternative high school and a robust Community Education program that serves learners of all ages.
Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, Hennepin Technical College has a diverse student population of more than 18,000 and offers degree and non-degree coursework in over 45 programs. Achieving a 99% job placement rate within its network of industry partners, Hennepin Technical College prepares students for in-demand and high-paying employment opportunities. For more information, visit HennepinTech.edu.
Hennepin Technical College is a member of Minnesota State, which includes 30 colleges and seven state universities serving over 375,000 students. It is the fourth-largest system of two-year colleges and four-year universities in the United States.
Media Contact:
Jodi Fiedler, Robbinsdale Area Schools Marketing & Communications Specialist
jodi_fiedler@rdale.org | 763-504-8031
Nairobi Abrams, Hennepin Technical College Chief Advancement & Communications Officer
nairobi.abrams@hennepintech.edu | 763.488.2426