Xcel Energy, BH Electronics, and others/Southwest FIRST Collaborative

Industry Partners

Xcel Energy

BH Electronics

Outland Renewable Energy

SMI & Hydraulics, Inc.

Other Partners

Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council

Minnesota State Colleges & Universities

Minnesota West Community & Technical College

iSeek Solutions

Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development

Workforce Development, Inc.

Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services

SW/WC Service Cooperative

Canby Public Schools

Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI)

Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Initiative Foundation

Minnesota Energy Consortium

Marshall High School

South Central Workforce Council

Geographic Area

26 counties in SW, SC, SE MN

Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Sibley, Stevens, Swift, Waseca, Watonwan, Yellow Medicine

Grantee

Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, Inc.

Summary

Development/ dissemination of career information and career pathways in renewable energy; expand access to college-level programs in energy production

The Career Awareness for Renewable Energy (CARE) outreach project will enhance and expand the economic and talent development strategies envisioned by Minnesota’s WIRED grant project. The goals are to build and sustain a system-wide outreach program that will cultivate renewable and sustainable energy industry productivity and growth and also create awareness, excitement and interest in renewable and sustainable energy careers available throughout Minnesota.

Amount Funded

$202,500