Funding Awarded: $72,525

Industry Partners:

Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC)

Key Partners:

Benson Public Schools, Benson Economic Development Authority, L. A. Amundson Foundation, SW MN Private Industry Council and Workforce Council

Project Summary:

In Benson, the public school has installed bench-top lab equipment that explores different methods of ethanol generation. CVEC has assisted in setting up the lab and developing the curriculum. Students enrolled in Benson High School’s Renewable Energy class are eligible to apply for an internship at the Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company through Benson High School’s Off Campus Work-Site Program.

Project Outcomes:

• Tabletop ethanol fermenter and gas chromatograph purchased and installed for science lab

• Renewable energy course/curriculum created

• 26 students completed renewable energy course

• 2 internships resulting in full-time summer employment

Project Description:

Integrating high school with local industry was the driving purpose behind this partnership between Benson High School and Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) in Benson, MN.

Science teacher, Ruth Ahrndt, and CVEC lab manager, Andrew DeBoer worked closely together to select, purchase, and install a bench-top bio-fermenter that produces small amounts of ethanol and a gas chromatograph that analyzes the alcohol concentration in the ethanol.

"According to the equipment manufacturers that helped us set up the equipment, we're one of the first high schools in the nation to have this type of equipment," say Ahrndt. In addition to making ethanol, students also learned about solar power, wind energy, and other renewable energy sources.

Community leader, local bank president, and MNREM board member, Jan Lundebrek, was excited to see a real-life connection between local industry and students. Benson superintendent Lee Westrum agreed, "It's important to expose students to the good job possibilities in our area and to prepare them to be future renewable energy consumers. We expect to offer this course over the next 10-15 years.

"Two students (Josh Frentzel and Jeff Ecklund) were also involved in after-school internships at the plant and this experience has had a big impact on their future career choices. "Before this program, I was just going into Ag," said Jeff. "Now, I'm planning on studying ethanol production at Granite Falls in addition to farming."

Helping young people to be able to stay in rural communities with rewarding work is critical. "Jeff and Josh want to stay in the area," said Ahrndt, "and now they have the opportunity to explore jobs that would support them while they continue to work on their family farms."

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Swift County Monitor recognizes MNREM and lst Security Bank President Jan Lundebrek, who serves on the Minnesota Renewable Energy Marketplace (MNREM) board, is a persistent promoter of renewable fuels and the Benson area.

Swift County Monitor News Article