The Ranger, a publication of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, talks about programs in Northern Minnesota that promote technical training and workforce encouragement…

Approximately 1,500 fifth and sixth grade students from 22 area schools attended the Iron Range STEM Showcase in Hibbing earlier this month. Students had hands-on experiments led by Range Engineering Council volunteers, local businesses and 25 colleges showcasing STEM opportunities on the Iron Range. A Workforce Development grant from IRRR helped offset bus transportation costs.

Local businesses included Cirrus, Cleveland Cliffs, Jasper Engineering, L&M Radiator, Minnesota Power and NewRange Copper Nickel. Other organizations present included Hibbing Police Department, Minnesota Discovery Center, Minnesota Department of Transportation, The North St. Louis Soil & Water Conservation District, Range Astronomy Club/Paulucci Space, Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Louis County, STARBASE and Northern Minnesota Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration.

IRRR awarded a $75,000 grant to Minnesota North College (True North Stars Perkins Consortium). It is a program established to help area students in the middle grades and beyond make informed career and education choices. The consortium offers career exploration and development activities that encourage students to consider factors such as salary, job growth, work environment and flexibility when considering a career path.

The IRRR grant helps transport the students to the annual STEM Showcase and to other events including school field trips to tour local businesses, meetings with professionals to learn about careers and hands-on trade exploration events to better educate students and job seekers about the variety of career paths in the region.

Learn more about Range Engineering Council.

Email Danae Beaudette or call her at 218-735-3022 for Workforce Development grant information.