Education

Education counts

Minnesota's workers are among the most educated and productive in the country, with a proven history of a strong work ethic. Educational facilities in northeastern Minnesota take pride in an excellent educational system that serves preschoolers through adults.

Schools here strive to provide an education that is contemporary, relevant and practical. Students of all ages develop skills based on rigorous academic standards, evolving workforce expectations and the demands of an international marketplace.

Several workforce training organizations offer services tailored to the needs of both new and expanding manufacturing and service sector employers.

Northeastern Minnesota education statistics

• 91% with high school education or above
• 17% with Bachelors Degree
• 50% Professional Certificate or License

Source: Bureau of Business & Economic Research UMD School of Business and Economics

Elementary/Secondary Education

Elementary/Secondary education is top notch
Minnesota's educational system is a national model. The state's public school open enrollment program allows students to enroll in schools outside their district, and the post-secondary enrollment options program encourages high school students to attend college tuition-free. Minnesota has also initiated rigorous graduation standards as part of a comprehensive school curriculum.

• Minnesota has the fourth highest graduation rate in the nation.
• Minnesota students have greater access to computers than do students in 45 other states.
• Minnesota's K-12 academic scores are second highest in the nation.
• Northeastern Minnesota K-12 scores are higher than the state average.

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Applied Learning Institute

About 940 northeastern Minnesota high school students in 16 school districts are receiving innovative hands-on training and technology learning through the Applied Learning Institute.  The Applied Learning Institute was formed in 2006 as a collaborative between area school districts and five community and technical colleges to enhance the curriculum of northeastern Minnesota high schools.  The goal is to create highly-trained, knowledgeable workers who are equipped with the technical and problem-solving skills needed by all employers.  For complete information on the Applied Learning Institute, visit www.alimn.org

Applied Learning Institute partners are:

• Northeastern Minnesota school districts                                       
• Northeast Higher Education District
• Iron Range Resources
• Range Association of Municipalities and Schools
• Minnesota Center for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence

Community and Technical Colleges

• Hibbing Community College, Hibbing 
• Itasca Community College, Grand Rapids 
• Mesabi Range Community & Technical College, Virginia and Eveleth
• Rainy River Community College, International Falls
• Vermilion Community College, Ely

Neighboring Higher Education Institutions

• Duluth Business University, Duluth
• Fond du Lac Community & Tribal College, Cloquet
• Lake Superior College, Duluth
• Bemidji State University, Bemidji
• College of St. Scholastica, Duluth
• University of Minnesota-Duluth
• University of Wisconsin-Superior

Related Links

Minnesota State Colleges & Universities
Northeast Higher Education District
Arrowhead University Consortium
Minnesota Center for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence