EDUCATION AND TRAINING: VITAL ECONOMIC ENGINES

Central Minnesota business owners frequently cite area colleges, universities, and other educational and training resources as major components that contribute their businesses profitability. After all, a well-trained workforce means greater efficiency and productivity.

The St. Cloud region is served by St. Cloud State University,  St. Cloud Technical College,  Resource Training and Solutions, the College of St. Benedict, St. John's University, Minnesota School of Business and Rasmussen College. In addition, a number of non-profit entities such as area school districts and government agencies offer workforce training options.

Business-related programs at St. Cloud State University abound. The University is home to the nationally accredited G.R. Herberger College of Business, which offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in disciplines such as accounting, finance, marketing, and general business administration. In addition, the College of Business also directs the Harold Anderson Entrepreneurial Center, which reaches out to those involved in start-up enterprises, owners of developing businesses, or those who have been in business for awhile but need specialized help. Beyond business, SCSU provides more than 70 major fields of study, from computer science and engineering programs to social/physical sciences and humanities and education programs. SCSU offers traditional day programs as well as evening and customized options.

The St. Cloud Technical College also offers an array of traditional educational opportunities and especially excels at providing customized training programs for business and industry that are tailored to the specific needs of companies. The College also works closely with government-sponsored workforce programs as well as those initiatives spawned by The Partnership.  For more information on continuing and customized training click on Welcome to Door15

Regional educational offerings are rounded out by the liberal arts offerings of two well-regarded private colleges, St. John's University and the College of Saint Benedict, and by the business-college programs provided by Rasmussen College and Minnesota School of Business.

Ultimately, the St. Cloud area stands as a prime example of how education truly is an investment in the future. Many contributing area citizens are products of our public and private K-12 programs as well as graduates of the area's colleges and universities. Sartell School District 748  Sauk Rapids-Rice School District 47

St. Cloud Area School District 742 and Becker School District 726.