Bipartisan legislation invests in North Minneapolis-based Summit Academy OIC

On Monday, February 4, the Senate Committee on Jobs and Economic Growth heard Senator Paul Anderson’s bipartisan legislation he chief-authored to invest in vocational training and job placement in Minnesota. Specifically, the bill awards a grant to Summit Academy OIC, the only community-based vocational training center in North Minneapolis, to expand their contextualized GED and employment placement program and STEM program.

“Minnesota employers need trained and qualified workers, and unfortunately, the growing workforce crisis disproportionately impacts communities of color,” said Senator Anderson, Chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee. “Summit Academy addresses this issue through not only developing the skills of the individual, but strengthening the community as a whole while helping Minnesota businesses find qualified, skilled workers. That’s a win-win-win.”

Summit’s program allows non-high school graduates to earn their GED, obtain vocational training, and find full-time employment.

“At Summit Academy, our motto is ‘The best social service program in the world is a job,’” said Summit Academy President & CEO Louis King. “We are doing what it takes to lift people up and ensure that our region has educated and trained employees to help our economy grow, and to help people build sustainable careers.”

The bill was heard in the Senate Jobs Committee and will continue to be considered this session.

“We have a critical need in Minnesota for adults to receive education and training to prepare them for success in the workforce and their communities,” concluded Senator Anderson. “Summit’s program continues to deliver results in addressing those needs.”