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.​