​Saint Paul College is pleased to announce that it has received a grant award from the National Science Foundation for Advanced Technological Education programs at Saint Paul College. The project will take place over three academic years from 2014-2015 to 2016-2017.

The grant award of $199,172 will fund a Saint Paul College project to increase the number of students pursuing two-year technological science degree programs. At least 64 students will pursue Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree programs in Science Instrumentation, Chemical Technology and Biomedical Engineering. Graduates of these programs will participate in internships with local industry partners. The project will also connect local businesses to Saint Paul College’s high-tech cleanroom facility, which is a unique high-tech lab space in the region.

“Through the Advanced Technological Education program, Saint Paul College has designed a strategy for educating students in the fields where high-tech workers are most needed in the region,” said Program Director Hal Richtol. “The internship opportunities should be helpful in matching talented students to career opportunities.”

By 2020, Minnesota Compass estimates that the employment outlook for STEM fields in Minnesota is expected to grow by 17.6%, to 529,241 workers needed, as compared to growth of 13% expected growth in all occupations to 3,198,000 workers needed.

“We are honored to partner with the National Science Foundation to better prepare college students for STEM employment in our state.” said Dr. Linda Kingston, Dean of STEM and Liberal Arts of Saint Paul College​.

For more information on the National Science Foundation, please visit: http://www.nsf.gov/index.jsp.​