The Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC) received $50,000 in LYFT Pathways funding to provide work-based learning opportunities to students enrolled in Marshall Public Schools, Minneota Public School and Tracy Area High School in partnership with three champion employers (Ace Home & Hardware, Lockwood Motors, Action Manufacturing), Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce, Lyon County Economic Development Authority, Southwest Minnesota State University and Minnesota West Community and Technical College.

The Work and Learn Coordinator will serve as a single point of contact for employers and schools, encouraging a sequential, purposeful continuum of Career Awareness, Career Exploration, and Career Preparation and Skills Training activities for students. Through this new program, students will increase their knowledge of career opportunities, gain marketable experiences and skills, and build social capital that leads to higher wages and lower student debt. Local employers will benefit from the development of an essential worker pipeline. Work and learn training models will be developed and expanded to include middle school and earlier grades. Ultimately students will be prepared for career decisions and employment, connected with local employers, and build skills through work-based learning opportunities.

During the 2019-20 school year, 259 students were part of this program.

During the 2020-21 school year, 113 students were part of this program.

During the 2021-22 school year, 919 students were part of this program.

For more information, contact the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council.