As we approach the final weeks before the election, I want to take a moment to share some thoughts that have been on my mind during this campaign season.

This year we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. For those of us who are eligible, voting is a civic responsibility. I hope if you haven’t already, that each of you will embrace this responsibility. While most people are focused on the upcoming presidential election, your vote is also important in deciding who will run our state and local government.

Elizabeth Collins Moore was part of the fabric of Minneapolis College, serving as director of Black Student Support in the 1980s, where she engaged in its mission to develop and create pathways for the educational success of students of color. Through intentional programming, she supported students in developing their leadership capacity through mentoring and increased involvement in the college community, society, nation and the world.  

Founded by Lisa Clemons in 2014 and located in North Minneapolis, A Mothers’ Love Initiative addresses gun violence and domestic violence affecting African American communities through mentoring and empowering African American women, men, and children.

Throughout the year, Clemons, alongside her staff, mentors youth and provides summer employment. In the summer, youth serve the community working at different jobs sites whether it be lawncare and sorting food at food shelves.

October is Minnesota State Month, and the 26 colleges and seven universities of Minnesota State are all offering many ways for students to save on higher education. This makes October a great time for students to take advantage of visit and tour events and apply for admission.

One way to save during Minnesota State Month: the colleges and universities of Minnesota State, including Minneapolis College, are waiving undergraduate application fees – applying for free is a great way to take your first steps towards a brighter future!

Taking a leap of faith seems to be the theme of small business and restaurant ownership in the Twin Cities. Minneapolis College alum Shaun Holley, co-owner of the Fabled Rooster, located inside Graze Provisions + Libations in the North Loop of Minneapolis, and his crew made it through myriad ups and downs, including the winter shutdown of 2021, but it wasn’t easy.

Get Ready, a college access initiative housed in the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, has been awarded a $31,150,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

With the November election fast approaching, the significance of voter participation has never been more critical. Each citizen’s vote plays a crucial role in shaping local, state, and national policies. With issues ranging from healthcare and education to public safety and economic development on the ballot, this year's election offers voters the chance to influence decisions that directly impact their daily lives.

As we approach summer’s end, I hope you’re finding moments to relax and unwind in these remaining days. This summer has been a period of intense activity for our employees, marked by our transition to a new ERP system. This cloud-based technology will streamline enterprise-wide business processes across the Minnesota State system. We have implemented the finance and HR modules and are now starting the project's student services phase. 
 

Funding will support those pursuing early childhood degrees and credentials with scholarships and stipends.

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) announced that 13 organizations, colleges and universities, and school districts were awarded more than $2.3 million in Grow Your Own Early Childhood and Family Educator Grants to support those pursuing degrees and credentials to serve as early childhood and family educators.

Creating dynamic partnerships that enhance learning opportunities for students and prepare them for future careers occurs across Minneapolis College. The Graphic Design and Web Design programs provide hands-on experiences from knowledgeable instructors focused on preparing students for exciting careers that explore creativity and technology. Partnerships enhance the learning within these programs and create important connections between students and the design community.