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Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) has secured a $2.4 million federal grant that will transform advanced manufacturing education across west central Minnesota, creating a first-of-its-kind regional pathway connecting high school students, college programs, and employers through the new Runestone Advanced Manufacturing Career Pathways & Innovation Hub.

Awarded through the U.S. Department of Education's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) Program, the $2,467,008 federal grant will launch a regional initiative to strengthen workforce development and expand educational opportunities for rural students.

The four-year project will create an integrated education-to-employment pathway connecting high school students, ATCC programs, and regional employers in advanced manufacturing and related technical fields. The initiative will focus on career exploration, dual and concurrent enrollment opportunities, stackable credentials, work-based learning experiences, and clear pathways into high-skill, high-wage careers. 

Development of the physical space for the Innovation Hub will leverage an existing campus asset made available through the opening of the Central Specialties Transportation Center in Fall 2027. As the Diesel Mechanics program transitions to its new facility, ATCC will renovate and repurpose the vacated 8,000-square-foot space to create a dedicated hub for advanced manufacturing pathways, innovation, and regional workforce development. 

“The Innovation Hub represents a significant investment in the future workforce of west central Minnesota,” said ATCC President Michael Seymour. “By transforming an existing 8,000-square-foot campus facility into a middle college for advanced manufacturing, innovation, and career exploration, we are creating new opportunities for students while strengthening the talent pipeline that regional employers depend upon. This project also provides a framework for future growth in engineering, transportation, and other high-demand technical fields.”

The project is being developed in partnership with the Runestone Area Education District (RAED) high schools (Alexandria, Brandon-Evansville, Minnewaska, Osakis, and Parkers Prairie), and regional employers. Together, these partners will help students explore careers in automation, robotics, mechatronics, electronic technology, industrial maintenance, and other advanced manufacturing fields that are critical to the region's economy. 

A key component of the project is the development of a shared regional training and education hub that will expand access to specialized technical education for students throughout west central Minnesota. The initiative is intended to address workforce shortages while creating stronger connections between education and employment opportunities in the region. 

"Receiving this award is a transformative opportunity for our students, our school partners, and our region," said Sara Fier, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Alexandria Technical & Community College. "The Runestone Advanced Manufacturing Career Pathways & Innovation Hub will help rural students explore rewarding careers earlier, earn college credit while in high school, and transition smoothly into in-demand technical programs and careers that support the economic vitality of our communities." 

The project will prioritize collaboration with schools across the Runestone Area Education District while remaining open to students beyond RAED boundaries. Through career exploration activities, advising, work-based learning opportunities, and employer engagement, students will gain greater access to educational pathways leading to employment in Minnesota's growing manufacturing sector. 

"We are thrilled to partner with ATCC and our neighboring Runestone Area Education District schools on this innovative initiative," said Rick Sansted, Superintendent of Alexandria Public Schools. "This grant bridges K-12 education, higher education, and direct connections to regional employers. It creates seamless pathways from our high school classrooms into rewarding, high-wage manufacturing careers close to home."

Regional employers have been strong supporters of the initiative, citing the need for a skilled workforce prepared to work in increasingly automated and technology-driven manufacturing environments. Industry partners will collaborate with the project through curriculum input, work-based learning opportunities, mentorship, and career exploration experiences. 

“The future of advanced manufacturing depends on developing talented people who are ready to work with increasingly sophisticated technology,” said John French, Vice President and General Manager of Brenton Engineering. “This initiative will give students earlier exposure to rewarding career opportunities while strengthening the connection between education and employers. Brenton Engineering is proud to support an investment that will benefit students, manufacturers, and communities across our region.”

The grant award period began October 1, 2026 and will continue through 2030. Planning and implementation activities are underway, with additional information about student opportunities, partnerships, and project milestones to be announced as the initiative progresses.