St. Cloud Technical & Community College Strengthens the Local Economy With Partnerships and New Programs

St. Cloud Technical & Community College (SCTCC) is one of the strongest education and workforce development assets in the region. It continues to provide value to local businesses by effectively preparing students to start their careers. SCTCC has opened new education centers and is developing programs that will grow existing industries and bring fresh ones to St. Cloud.  

“We have amazing faculty that are passionate about what they do and incredibly supportive staff,” says Lori Kloos, President of SCTCC. “They are committed to student success and helping students achieve their educational goals. We frequently hear how helpful people are here.”

A lot of great things are happening at SCTCC. Here are a few highlights that showcase why now is an exciting time for individuals to invest in education and for businesses to work with the local college to develop training programs. 

The Advanced Manufacturing Center Marks Its Two-Year Anniversary

In 2019, Electrolux closed its freezer manufacturing plant in St. Cloud, resulting in 750 layoffs. SCTCC knew that hundreds of employees would be looking to start new careers and may need job training to support those efforts. This closure was the catalyst needed for SCTCC to open a state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Center, complete with maker space for students to enjoy hands-on experiences.

“To date, we are the only college in Minnesota that has a 3D metal printer,” says Kloos. “We use the maker space and hands-on classroom environment to bring in business and industry partners. They work directly with students to develop solutions while building their skills.”

The Advanced Manufacturing Center was made possible by a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. The college matched the grant with $2 million and used the funds to buy equipment for students to use. The Center, which recently celebrated its two-year anniversary, provides a space for future machinists, welders, and designers to collaborate.

“When businesses are considering moving to St. Cloud, we are thrilled to showcase the programs at SCTCC,” says Cathy Mehelich, Economic Development Director for the City of St. Cloud Economic Development Authority (EDA). “Its programs give the local workforce relevant skills to succeed in dozens of fields.” 

SCTCC is Starting an Aircraft Maintenance Technician Program

The Advanced Manufacturing Center is an impressive addition to SCTCC, but the college is not done growing. In Fall 2026, the first cohort of aircraft maintenance technician students will start thanks to a collaboration with the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority, Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, Delta Air Lines, Sun Country Airlines, and Cirrus Aircraft.

This program will increase educational access to people who want to train as aircraft technicians. They will be FAA-certified and prepared to work in airports across the country.

“There’s been significant support from our aviation industry partners to develop this program,” says Kloos. “We recently received our first airplane (a Cessna) and can take a cohort of 24 students across the two-year program.”

SCTCC is Thriving Because of its Community Partnerships

Fall enrollment at SCTCC was up 14% this past year, and spring enrollment was up 12%. Students increasingly seek out programs at SCTCC to further their education and career goals. The college continues to grow not only because of its students but also through local partnerships.

“These things would not happen without community support,” says Kloos. “The City of St. Cloud has been phenomenal about supporting our initiatives. We truly are the community’s college.”

Kloos says there are around thirty-four advisory boards with representatives from the local business sector. Every program has a board with business and industry partners guiding the curriculum to ensure it is relevant and up-to-date.

SCTCC also works closely with the local K-12 districts to help students develop career paths, whether they decide to go to college, enter the workforce, or join the military after graduation. Central Minnesota has become known for its EPIC program (Exploring Potential Interest in Careers) which allows students to explore various options and understand what future-ready skills would transfer across industries. SCTCC hosts EPIC and continues to grow it.

Together, K-12 education, higher education, and local industry buy-in help prepare graduates to succeed once they are ready to step into local jobs. 

Learn More About the Education and Workforce Training Options in St. Cloud

SCTCC is a tremendous asset to the region, but there are additional colleges and universities that support the community. Learn more about the other higher education institutions that call St. Cloud home. Each of these colleges supports the key industries that are growing in St. Cloud and tapping into the skilled workforce. St. Cloud has the people you need and the location advantages to help your business thrive.