TREC Student Retention Fund

Minneapolis College partners with businesses, community organizations, school districts, and individuals on workforce development, service, philanthropy, and more to promote student success and advance its mission to provide access to the transformative power of education.

Transformation and Re-entry Through Education and Community (TREC) is a partnership between Minneapolis College and Metropolitan State University focused on offering degree programs at three state correctional facilities: Stillwater, Lino Lakes, and Faribault. The TREC Partnership offers an associate degree track through Minneapolis College and a bachelor’s degree track through Metropolitan State University.

Minneapolis College Foundation donors John and Linda Satorius have a passion for justice-impacted students and have been generous supporters of the TREC program since its inception. “Education is an important tool for leveling the playing field and can be instrumental in helping to pull families out of generational poverty, out of harm, and can literally change lives,” said Linda Satorius. “It’s a way to disrupt harmful cycles and pave the way for a better life.”

“When the U.S. Department of Education’s Second Chance Pell Grant was reinstated, a majority of the TREC participants qualified for tuition reimbursement. The costs associated with an education, however, go beyond tuition so TREC funding is critical,” said Linda Satorius who recognizes the importance of wraparound services to help students be successful. 

“Many TREC students are alienated from familial support systems and re-entering the community after years of incarceration can be difficult. Ancillary necessities like books, educational and workforce tools, food, and housing are imperative and often unaffordable to our TREC students. The new fund supports basic needs so students can overcome barriers and stay in school.”

The College will be responsible for selecting the award recipients according to the following guidelines:

• Students are enrolled in classes on the Minneapolis College campus.
• Students are active participants in the TREC cohort program.
• Students are identified by TREC faculty and/or staff as a student in need of additional support to stay in school and on-track to completing their degree.

“Since the students re-entering the community have a high need for basic support services, the TREC Retention Fund will be an essential resource for student success,” said Satorius, who has already witnessed one student access the fund to help purchase HVAC tools so he is ready to enter the workforce.

 “This fund provides a real and tangible way to support students who are working hard pursuing their dreams.” 

Linda Satorius serves on the Minneapolis College Foundation Board and is the Chair of the Board Engagement and Nominating Committee. She is actively engaged in the Loring Park neighborhood.

TREC enrolled more than 80 students in the first year and grew the program to 150 students in 2022-23. Funding is provided through grants and donations from Ascendium, Jobs for Future, and the Minneapolis College Foundation. The program was also awarded the U.S. Department of Education’s Second Chance Pell experimental site so incarcerated students are eligible for some Federal Pell Grants.

If you are interested in making a donation in support of the TREC Student Retention Fund, contact Beverly Wadsworth, Director of Advancement and the Minneapolis College Foundation at 612-659-6820.