New University of Minnesota Crookston program aims to boost skills of existing rural workforce
Oct. 22—CROOKSTON, Minn. — A new University of Minnesota Crookston program aims to equip rural workers with leadership and communication skills that employers are seeking.
The Rural Leadership and Success training series, announced earlier this month, is a series of professional development classes for working adults. The program is in partnership with the Crookston Rotary Club, Polk County, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and CareerForce, a job search resource in Minnesota. The first round of the training series is scheduled to start Nov. 7.
The series of courses is intended for students who are currently in the workforce, and may have some previous higher education experience. The series does not target a specific industry, said Alyson Leas, director of admissions at UMC, but would benefit workers who are new to a leadership or management role within a company, but without formal leadership training.
Employers in the region could also use the series to develop the professional skills of existing employees, said Leas, which could save time and resources when hiring for leadership roles.
"They're going to be able to look at the pool that they have right there already working for them and be able to offer personal and professional development to promote from within, which saves time and effort on their part, but gives back to the region and keeps people here," said Leas.
Using a Polk County grant for job training assistance, the Crookston Rotary Club is providing the first cohort of students with a scholarship that will cover 75% of course costs.
"This effort makes a positive impact on the community and supports the goals of Rotary," Macey Buker, president of the Rotary Club, said in a UMC announcement. "The courses will provide a new set of skills for professionals and improve the local economy by training the local workforce in essential job skills."
The series is made up of seven classes, which students will take over a course of three semesters, including the summer. Class topics will include leadership, technology and problem solving. All classes will be held asynchronously, so students can choose when they attend class and complete classwork.
"It's doable and it's on your time," said Leas.
If students want to continue attending UMC after finishing the Rural Leadership and Success training series, the 21 credits of coursework will cover general education credits needed for all of UMC's degree programs. Leas said after the program, students could pursue any degree at UMC, including agricultural business, agricultural communications, health management and education.
