The Friends
of Saint Paul College Foundation is pleased to announce that it has received a
grant of $15,000 from the WCA Foundation to support scholarships for women
enrolled in trade programs. Women are currently underrepresented in trade
careers, which offer livable wage job opportunities in the high-growth
construction industry.
Local
businesses are seeking qualified women to fill trade union positions as a way
to fulfill the demand for skilled workers. In March, 2012, the Minnesota
Department of Human Rights (MDHR) established statewide goals for state-funded
projects. These goals include increasing the number of women from 2.5% – 6%.
Construction companies applying for state-funded projects and who have more
than 40 full time employees, are being asked to meet this goal.
The grant
will assist the Friends of Saint Paul College Foundation in removing barriers
to education for women interested in trade careers, by providing awards to
Saint Paul College students. Each qualified student will receive a scholarship ranging
from $500 to $1,500, based on financial need. The goal of the program is to ensure
that 15 women successfully enter and persist in trade programs.
“We are
honored to be chosen by the WCA Foundation to help women pay for postsecondary
education to pursue trade careers, an emerging high-growth industry in the
state of Minnesota,” said Rassoul Dastmozd, President of Saint Paul College.