Southeast Tech Addresses Workforce Needs with Fundraising Campaign

From Pigeon605.com

Just four years ago, Southeast Technical College graduated 304 students from its health care programs.

This spring, that number is on track to reach almost 400 graduates, a 27 percent increase.

And that’s before adding in the impact that the newly opened Healthcare Simulation Center is expected to create, generating even more interest from students who will become critical future workers in the Sioux Falls area and beyond.

It’s also one part of a bigger story as Southeast Tech has experienced an overall upward trend in enrollment, adding almost 200 more students this spring than a year ago for the highest enrollment in a decade.

“We’re here to continually respond to what the community needs, and we’ve shown we’re able to adapt quickly and be nimble to meet those needs,” said Cynthia Mickelson, a former Sioux Falls School District board member and co-chair of Southeast Tech’s Campaign NEXT.

“Because Southeast Tech has been successful in implementation, our great business community is getting behind us.”

Supporters are getting behind Southeast Tech in a big way.

The Southeast Technical College Foundation’s Campaign NEXT launched in early 2023 with a $25 million fundraising goal.

With a plan to run through 2025, the campaign already is on track to surpass its goal and is looking to build on its success.

“We’re in the outcomes business, and that’s also the mindset at Southeast Tech,” said Tony Nour, senior vice president at First PREMIER Bank and co-chair of Campaign NEXT.

“That mentality has gone a long way with business leaders. We know in many cases the workforce was needed yesterday, and we can only raise dollars and build capacity so fast, but that’s what we’re here to do.”

Because the entire mission of Southeast Tech is to train a workforce to support area industry, it draws diverse and deep support from businesses.

“Our value proposition is working, and that’s really easy for most anyone to wrap their brain around,” said Stephen Williamson, the foundation’s director.

“We’ve had support from engineering, banking, health care and trades, and we continue to have conversations with new long-term investors.”

Here’s what Campaign NEXT is going to support:

Student Scholarships and Financial Support

With more than $8 million in additional support dedicated to increasing the number and level of scholarships, Campaign NEXT will provide additional support to help students enroll and finish their programs so they can move into the workforce.

“In the last five years, we’ve doubled the amount of scholarships we offer,” Williamson said. “Nearly all are for students with significant financial need, and they’re in every program.”

Build Dakota, a partnership among the state, donors and business sponsors, serves as “the engine of our financial system” along with federal Pell grants, but there’s still need remaining.

“It’s a very large percentage of our population that requires financial assistance,” Williamson said.

Capital Projects, Renovations

New buildings and new furnishings for existing ones play a significant role in the student experience. Campaign NEXT is raising at least $13 million for these improvements, including supporting the new Healthcare Simulation Center.

Because the entire mission of Southeast Tech is to train a workforce to support area industry, it draws diverse and deep support from businesses.

“Our value proposition is working, and that’s really easy for most anyone to wrap their brain around,” said Stephen Williamson, the foundation’s director.

“We’ve had support from engineering, banking, health care and trades, and we continue to have conversations with new long-term investors.”

Here’s what Campaign NEXT is going to support:

Access, Opportunities 

The remainder of Campaign NEXT – almost $3.5 million – is dedicated to creating an environment that supports overall student well-being and career readiness, as well as giving Southeast Tech extra funds to respond to innovative opportunities that arise.

A partnership with the city of Sioux Falls helped fund the Office of Access and Workforce Opportunity, which exists to ensure students are supported as they progress toward graduation.

“We know Sioux Falls is much more diverse, and we want to make sure we’re meeting the needs of the changing workforce,” Williamson said. “We’re also able to invest more in academic tutoring and have an unbelievable team there. The number of students going through that center has tripled, and now we’re able to bring in even more professional tutors.”

What’s NEXT

Campaign NEXT plans to build on its momentum by continuing to find new and exciting ways to connect supporters with Southeast Tech and support its mission. Watch for upcoming investments in the year ahead, and to learn more about how your business can partner in the effort, click here.

“It really is a collaborative effort, and we’re working hard to be a bridge,” Nour said. “There’s a lot of change occurring in higher education, but the leadership at Southeast Tech has embraced it, and the business community is following with its support.”