ATCC Goes on International Trade Mission to Strengthen Global Partnerships

Dec 5, 2025 | 2:48 PM
Alexandria Technical and Community College recently participated in a historic trade mission to Switzerland and Germany, led by Governor Tim Walz and First Lady Gwen Walz. The mission focused on expanding technology, education, clean energy, and workforce partnerships between Minnesota and Europe.

ATCC represented on the global stage

Kasey Morris was selected to represent ATCC and the Minnesota State system on this prestigious delegation—one of only a small number of colleges chosen for participation. Over five days, the group visited leading institutions in Zürich, Düsseldorf, and Berlin, including ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, ETH Zürich, Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences, and several renowned vocational training schools.

The timing is significant for ATCC, which recently achieved its highest international student enrollment in college history. This mission supports the college's strategic goals to build global visibility, expand recruitment, and create international mobility opportunities for students.

Building bridges for student success

During the trip, discussions centered on aligning ATCC's technical programs—including engineering technology, transportation, management, and applied sciences—with European partners known for their apprenticeship models and hands-on learning approaches. The delegation explored potential 2+2 transfer partnerships and student exchange opportunities that could benefit both inbound international students and ATCC students seeking global experiences.

"Our college is known for hands-on, workforce-driven programs, and those strengths resonated strongly with the institutions we met abroad," said Morris. "This mission reinforced the demand for the type of practical, career-focused education ATCC delivers, and it opened new pathways for collaboration that will benefit our students and our region."

Looking ahead

This international engagement strengthens ATCC's position as a regional and statewide leader in technical education while opening doors to global workforce trends in manufacturing, transportation, and business sectors. As Minnesota continues to position itself as a hub for applied learning and workforce development, ATCC's participation ensures our students are prepared not just for local careers, but for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

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