Rock Ridge Public Schools (RRPS)’ Career Academies recently received a $10,000 boost from United Way.
Funding was secured by United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) through the Greater Twin Cities United Way’s Building a Movement fund and will be used for training, strategic planning, and pathway and partnership development.
“It’s not often that one United Way organization applies for funding from another, but when we saw an opportunity to support our local schools, students, and ultimately region as a whole, we jumped at the chance,” said UWNEMN Resource Development and Events Director Elizabeth Kelly.
The funding will help RRPS identify strengths to place teachers in the most successful spots to educate students, according to RRPS Director of School to Work Engagement and Fundraising Coordinator Willie Spelts.
“This funding will provide our students with the knowledge and abilities to immediately impact the local workforce, and the partnerships we make with the community and industry will map out our teaching and student preparation for years to come,” Spelts said.
UWNEMN staff awarded the grant funding this week during a tour of the Rock Ridge Career Academy construction space.
“Seeing the career academy in action and meeting some of the students who will benefit from this funding made this partnership even more exciting,” said UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay. “It is so important to us at UWNEMN to invest locally in the education of our young people.”
Spelts called the partnership with UWNEMN a delight.
“The kindness and ability of all involved made this a seamless grant application and also broadened our opportunities by connecting us with so many great people at United Way of Northeastern Minnesota," he said. “Rock Ridge Public Schools is forever grateful!”
There are two remaining funding rounds through Building a Movement; UWNEMN has submitted an application for the second round of funding to support another local career academy.