Classes will begin this fall at the new M State Park Rapids office this fall.
Community members gathered Friday to meet with M State officials and learn more about the collaboration.
The Park Rapids office is a collaboration between Minnesota State Community and Technical College and the Hubbard County Regional Economic Development Commission. Staff will be in the Frank White Education Center office one day a week.
M State provost Cris Valdez said the partnership will be limited at first but "we intend to weave ourselves into the fabric of the community."
The first classes to be offered this fall are "Intro to Leadership" and "Power and Communication in Human Relations." These are in response to a survey of businesses in the area. These classes will address what employers want to see from their workers.
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M State courses will be available online as well. The college has campuses in Detroit Lakes, Wadena, Fergus Falls and Moorhead.
Helene Hedlund, dean of academics and student affairs for M State, said the office will host an informational session in September to get feedback about expanding classes.
"Spread the word," she said.
Hedlund encourages employers to have their workers take classes.
"We need your support and for you to tell us what you need," she said.
Glenn Chiodo, Park Rapids schools superintendent, said he is excited about the partnership.
It will be an opportunity for those students who don't necessarily know what they want to do after high school, he said.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for our community," Park Rapids mayor Nancy Carroll said. "I've been dreaming about this for years."
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Counselors will be in the office from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to start. Trish Schrom, chief academic officer; Karen Bublotz, advisor and AA/transfers; Mark Nelson, advisor and technical programs; Dale Westley, enrollment manager for Detroit Lakes; and Beth Pridday, director of business and entrepreneurial services will be working with Park Rapids.
The office is located in the Frank White Education Center. Signs will be placed to direct people to the office. A few classrooms at Frank White Education Center will also be used for classes.
The phone number for the M State office in Park Rapids is 255-4881.
