Riverland Quarterly Showcasing brief examples of how we serve our region. Published January 2025

From all of us at Riverland Community College to all of you, Happy New Year!

Minnesota Works: Bridging Students to High-Demand Careers

Logan Schrader, Executive Director of the Energy Center of Excellence, shares insights on the Minnesota Works event, which bridges Career Technical Education (CTE) skills with high-demand trades. Supported by Perkins Grant funding, the event connected 225 students with hands-on learning and career exploration, helped them discover their interests and refine their career paths.

Nick Schiltz Honored as Volunteer of the Year

Nick Schiltz, Riverland's Ag Science Instructor, was honored as Volunteer of the Year by the Austin Chamber of Commerce at their annual banquet. As Chair of the Agribusiness Committee, Nick's dedication to teamwork and community impact earned him this prestigious recognition, reflecting his commitment to making a positive difference.

Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Tours Riverland’s Robotics Lab in Owatonna

Matt Bissonette, Director of Riverland’s Owatonna Campus, welcomed the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism to tour the Automation Robotics Engineering Technology lab. The visit highlighted how Riverland trains students in robotics and advanced manufacturing skills to meet the needs of local employers and prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.

Erin Boorsma: Building a Bright Future at Riverland

Erin Boorsma, a student in Riverland's Psychology Transfer Program, values the supportive community, quality instructors, and the Freeborn County Promise Scholarship, which helps minimize student debt. Erin's goals include earning a degree, transferring to a four-year university, and pursuing a fulfilling career in psychology while maintaining financial stability.

Exploring Career Opportunities: Callie’s IMMR Journey

Callie, a student in Riverland's IMMR program, shared excitement about exploring career opportunities during a job fair in the atrium. She appreciated the time and effort companies invested to showcase potential careers and benefits, highlighting the challenge of choosing among so many great options for her future.