Career Connected Learning
The MSC Career and Technical Education Consortium is committed to strengthening relationships with each other as well as our education, economic development and workforce agency partners.
Mission: Leveraging statewide and regional approaches to ensure robust CTE experiences for students with an eye on future success.
Vision: All students have access to innovative, career-connected learning through a vibrant CTE education network with strong industry connections, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed for the future.
We Support and Develop:
- Accessible, equitable, and inclusive career-connected learning that builds pathways to local/regional careers for all students.
- Highly trained and engaged educators who help students build CTE pathways through relevant coursework, collaborative partnerships, and advanced equipment.
- Advanced collaboration with business, industry, labor, workforce, and higher education that fosters innovation, harnesses creativity, and accelerates quality CTE learning/pathways.
- Integrated and aligned efforts that enhance and sustain quality CTE.
Working Towards A Future Where:
- All students have access to innovative, career-connected learning showcasing local careers.
- Minnesota has a vibrant CTE teacher network with strong industry connections.
- Business, labor, and industry play a key role in student career awareness and life/work skills.
- Education recognizes the benefit of CTE courses/experiences for all careers.
- Students make informed financial investments in post-secondary training and education.
- Public and private investments in CTE help address workforce challenges across Minnesota.
Impact Highlights 2022 through 2024
The Minnesota Service Cooperatives are driving meaningful impact at state, regional, district, and student levels. By combining statewide strategies with localized initiatives, we are delivering dynamic Career and Technical Education (CTE) experiences that pave the way for successful futures for every student.
Career-Connected Learning (CCL)
![career roadsign]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1719525547/mnservcooporg/ovtgv4brbefnyjmy8st0/careersignicon.png","width":99}])
- 100,000+students engaged in advanced career-connected learning
- 5,000+ students earned industry credentials or certifications
- 4,000+ students participated in work-based learning
- 50,000+ students received specialized career navigation services
Community Connections
![community connections icon]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1719525808/mnservcooporg/bvt4oevszvu9jhvlmrqa/communityconnectionsicon.png","width":235}])
- 2,000+ business and community partners engaged in CTE programming
- $3M+ in leveraged funds supported CTE/CCL schools
- FutureForward™ expands in MN, increasing users by 151% and becoming available as an app to better connect students with business and post-secondary partners
Educator and School Support
![Educator icon]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1719525519/mnservcooporg/lrlxbo0rieaq6t9vj19i/educatorschoolicon.png","width":139}])
- 500+ teachers received professional development
- $2M+ invested in innovative CTE programs, equipment, and courses
- 12 schools from 7 regions implement a new middle school career exploration system
2024-2025 Planned* Investments
![investments in education]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1719525779/mnservcooporg/j2e0uvehvojf4ydfezto/investmentsicon.png","width":247}])
- $3M+ to districts for CTE/CCL advancements
- $1.8M for career-connected learning services
- $1M for teacher support
* Numbers do not encompass all planned investments
Numbers are conservative estimates based on data acquired as of 12/31/24. Learn more at www.mnservicecoop.org.
Regional efforts in Career and Technical Education (CTE) across Minnesota are evolving into cohesive statewide initiatives. Programs such as Metier, Teacher Licensure, Teacher Induction, and FutureForward(TM) are now expanding their reach, enriching opportunities for schools, educators, and students statewide. These initiatives remain a top priority as we move into the next biennium.
Strategic partnerships are also taking root. Our collaboration with Greater Twin Cities United Way enabled us to host the Career-ConneCTEd Conference, fostering statewide sharing of best practices, program insights, and networking. Additionally, our growing partnership with the Minnesota Trucking Association involves working with their staff, board of directors, members, and foundation to build connections with school districts, establish clear career pathways, and inspire the next generation of trucking professionals.
CTE Around the State 2023-2024
![Work-based learning]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737657582/mnservcooporg/umn7i2rciht6xdgflp6r/Business.gif","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1737657582/mnservcooporg/umn7i2rciht6xdgflp6r/Business.gif","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737657582/mnservcooporg/umn7i2rciht6xdgflp6r/Business.gif","width":513}])
Intermediate School Districts started 15 CTE programs, providing hands-on learning opportunities to more than 900 students and strengthening career pathways.
![Human Services]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737657312/mnservcooporg/xqvguowhgmfux0tp3phn/Education.png","width":181}])
More than 300 teachers statewide received support through licensure, induction, and mentoring, strengthening the future of career and technical education.
![Arts Comm Information]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737657827/mnservcooporg/v2h52xmfosf9bntwnxwp/IT.gif","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1737657827/mnservcooporg/v2h52xmfosf9bntwnxwp/IT.gif","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737657827/mnservcooporg/v2h52xmfosf9bntwnxwp/IT.gif","width":513}])
Students at Rock Ridge High School designed and custom fabricated activity awards stands. Students also utilized laser engraving technology and metal fabrication to complete the project.
![Medical Sector Icon]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737657220/mnservcooporg/v1rxc4dkyv2usqkf7c0a/Medical.gif","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1737657220/mnservcooporg/v1rxc4dkyv2usqkf7c0a/Medical.gif","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737657220/mnservcooporg/v1rxc4dkyv2usqkf7c0a/Medical.gif","width":513}])
Empowering more than 400 students with Minnesota-approved nursing skills through cutting-edge VR technology, bridging education and healthcare innovation.
![Business Management Administration]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737657637/mnservcooporg/wnw8wbaauu2zk1p50tgi/Engineering_1.gif","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1737657637/mnservcooporg/wnw8wbaauu2zk1p50tgi/Engineering_1.gif","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737657637/mnservcooporg/wnw8wbaauu2zk1p50tgi/Engineering_1.gif","width":513}])
Students reimagine a trailer into a fully operational retail space, gaining hands-on experience in marketing, architecture, and entrepreneurial design.
![Health Science Technology]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737657703/mnservcooporg/sbhfrj6m1em3j16imshs/Ag.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737657703/mnservcooporg/sbhfrj6m1em3j16imshs/Ag.png","width":512}])
Metier, a game-based career exploration program, is engaging 2,600 middle schoolers across 7 regions, introducing them to diverse future opportunities.
![Engineering Manufacturing Technology]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737657752/mnservcooporg/cqcmsxw6om9ntbi3vtmx/Construction.gif","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737657752/mnservcooporg/cqcmsxw6om9ntbi3vtmx/Construction.gif","width":500}])
Students and instructors from United South Central school district collaborate with a local manufacturer, gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and real-world insights.
![Engineering Manufacturing Technology]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737657478/mnservcooporg/fudmxjojt8xabidmfke0/Public.gif","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1737657478/mnservcooporg/fudmxjojt8xabidmfke0/Public.gif","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737657478/mnservcooporg/fudmxjojt8xabidmfke0/Public.gif","width":513}])
125 middle school students participated in week-long courses exploring Agriculture, Culinary/Hospitality, Health Sciences, IT, and Public Service, sparking early career interests.
![Engineering Manufacturing Technology]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737657352/mnservcooporg/jicn7otxkcaltj9ncpom/Marketing.gif","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1737657352/mnservcooporg/jicn7otxkcaltj9ncpom/Marketing.gif","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737657352/mnservcooporg/jicn7otxkcaltj9ncpom/Marketing.gif","width":513}])
Yellow Medicine East and Renville County West students develop digital media, design, and augmented reality skills to map local history and art; students are partnering with Pioneer Public TV and other local industry and community partners to apply what they are learning with real-world projects.
CTE Around the State 2022-2023
![Work-based learning]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1719523334/mnservcooporg/jisfp5tnahn7pn9nljoo/CTEicons-6.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1719523334/mnservcooporg/jisfp5tnahn7pn9nljoo/CTEicons-6.png","width":512}])
Launch funding for innovative CTE programming that removes barriers for students.
![Human Services]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1719523327/mnservcooporg/ia1mmc0niahlvsdw7av6/CTEicons-5.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1719523327/mnservcooporg/ia1mmc0niahlvsdw7av6/CTEicons-5.png","width":512}])
Over 300 teachers across Minnesota receive support through licensure, preparation, induction and mentoring.
![Arts Comm Information]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1719523305/mnservcooporg/uzoybptfdkp2xik205bn/CTEicons-2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1719523305/mnservcooporg/uzoybptfdkp2xik205bn/CTEicons-2.png","width":512}])
Chisholm High School students build technical skills at state-of-the-art digital lab at the Minnesota Discovery Center.
![Ag Food Natural Resources]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1719523305/mnservcooporg/cae5zvzdrr3zn98v3tur/CTEicons-3.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1719523305/mnservcooporg/cae5zvzdrr3zn98v3tur/CTEicons-3.png","width":512}])
Kelliher FFA and Cattle Company students practice hands-on cutting, handling, packaging and sanitation of food processing.
![Business Management Administration]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1719523305/mnservcooporg/rtmuq4gswavm7masoqxb/CTEicons-1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1719523305/mnservcooporg/rtmuq4gswavm7masoqxb/CTEicons-1.png","width":512}])
Watertown-Mayer develops a student-run screen-printing business supported by a local graphic designer, area businesses and booster club.
![Health Science Technology]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1719523321/mnservcooporg/f8yu5bug5ihovrgsdbuk/CTEicons-4.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1719523321/mnservcooporg/f8yu5bug5ihovrgsdbuk/CTEicons-4.png","width":512}])
Essentia Health provides first-hand career experiences for students.
"I got to experience spinal surgery and see how nurses interact with patients!" ~ Pequot Lakes Student
![Engineering Manufacturing Technology]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1719523338/mnservcooporg/ucjehjp1qud4yzuik6fg/CTEicons-7.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1719523338/mnservcooporg/ucjehjp1qud4yzuik6fg/CTEicons-7.png","width":512}])
Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Thunderbird Manufacturing students put their construction and welding skills to use building cabins for local county parks.
123 students from 21 schools participate in the first Southeast Minnesota Welding Competition. Rochester Community & Technical College gains four students for their PSEO Welding program through the competition.
LYFT Career Pathways partnerships with businesses such as Kibble Equipment in Wabasso provide students with real-world skills and employment opportunities.