Hennepin Technical College 2020 Annual Report

HTC 2020 i

OUR MISSION To provide excellence in career and technical education for employment and advancement in an ever-changing global environment.

OUR VISION To be the leader of innovative career and technical education that leads to success for all students.

OUR VALUES Excellence: We pursue the highest standards in academic achievement and organizational performance.

Innovation: We value creativity and ingenuity to remain at the forefront of technical education excellence.

Inclusion: We value an atmosphere of respect, dignity, and acceptance.

T

his past year has taught us that life is unpredictable, can change overnight, and we should not take anything or anyone for granted.

I am proud of the work completed by Hennepin Technical College’s faculty and staff to keep themselves, our students, and our community safe while ensuring our students are provided opportunities to complete their educational goals.

As a technical college, we understand the importance of having students on-campus to learn the necessary hands-on skills for completion of their training. It has been and continues to be a delicate balance between equipping students for their future and keeping everyone safe.

The students we are educating today are the future; they will be responsible for developing life-saving inventions, providing healthcare, and keeping us safe and secure in our communities.

I am extremely proud of our students for the grit and determination they have demonstrated during these challenging times.

You are invited to read this report and learn how Hennepin Technical College continues to change lives and benefit our region. We welcome you to engage with us in continuing to ensure success of our students on campus, in the community, and in the workplace.

Merrill Irving, Jr., Ed.D. President, Hennepin Technical College

ii HTC 2020

MERRILL IRVING, JR., Ed.D PRESIDENT, HENNEPIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE

HTC 2020 1

H EN NEPIN T E C H NIC AL C OLLE GE KE Y FACTS

READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS HTC was voted “Best Technical College” and “Best Vocational School” by Sun Newspapers

HTC IS MINNESOTA’S LARGEST TECHNICAL COLLEGE

7,008

39%

STUDENTS SERVED ANNUALLY

28

AVERAGE AGE OF STUDENT

2020 INNOVATION OF THE YEAR AWARD

FULL-TIME STUDENTS

$8M

61%

IN FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS

PART-TIME STUDENTS

HTC IS ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE COLLEGE CAMPUSES IN MINNESOTA

for “League for Innovation in the Community College” for HTC’s Student Persistence Initiative

62%

ARE STUDENTS FROM UNDERREPRESENTED POPULATIONS

2 HTC 2020

45%

ARE STUDENTS OF COLOR

25%

ARE FIRSTGENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS

$26,182

LOW TUITION

99%

HTC is among the most affordable in the state

$15,107

OF STUDENTS FIND JOBS IN THEIR FIELD OF STUDY

$5,479 HTC

SOURCE: MINNESOTA STATE WEBSITE

RASMUSSEN

HTC was named a “Hunger Free Campus”

by LeadMN

DUNWOODY

SHERBURNE

TOP COUNTIES SERVED

ANOKA WRIGHT HENNEPIN

500+

INDUSTRY PARTNERS RECRUIT AND HIRE OUR STUDENTS AND GRADUATES

WITH CAMPUSES IN BROOKLYN PARK AND EDEN PRARIE

RAMSEY

CARVER SCOTT

DAKOTA

2020 BEST COLLEGES HTC programs earned national rankings

by GradReports

45+

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

BUILDING & LANDSCAPE BUSINESS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EMERGENCY & PUBLIC SERVICE GENERAL EDUCATION/ COLLEGE TRANSFER HEALTH MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY MEDIA COMMUNICATION SERVICE & EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE EDUCATION

#2

RANK IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

#3

RANK IN HEATING, VENTILATION, COOLING AND REFRIGERATION

#4

RANK IN ACCOUNTING

HTC 2020 3

O U R STR AT EG IC P LAN: AC C E SS TO S U CCE S S

We collaborated with students, K-12 partners, community members and industry partners to create our new strategic plan. It will guide HTC until the spring of 2025 and will help us prepare graduates to meet the workforce needs of the regional economy.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION 1

STUDENT SUCCESS

We will increase access and implement strategies that support persistence and lead to academic advancement.

GOAL 1

Redesign and implement the Strategic Enrollment Management plan

GOAL 2

Develop a targeted plan for students to persist to graduation

GOAL 3

Increase targeted student support services

STRATEGIC DIRECTION 2

EQUITY & INCLUSION

We will intentionally remove barriers and develop strategies for the success of individuals from historically underrepresented populations.

GOAL 1

Provide an accessible, inclusive, and safe campus environment

GOAL 2

Integrate HTC Learner Value Cultural & Global Awareness into academic courses and co-curricular activities

GOAL 3

Increase retention of protected class group employees

GOAL 4

Increase engagement with community partners

4 HTC 2020

STRATEGIC DIRECTION 3

QUALITY EDUCATION

We will provide academic excellence through innovative, engaging curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities that respond to workforce needs and support educational pathways.

GOA L 1

Provide integrated service support, consultation and solution finding to advance the institution

GOA L 2

Technology Services will increase institution efficiency and effectiveness through formal strategic collaboration

GOA L 3

Advance institutional capacity and effectiveness through technology

STRATEGIC DIRECTION 4

RESOURCES

We will implement strategies designed to strengthen and sustain finances, resource allocation, infrastructure, operations, and human capital.

GOA L 1

Utilize resources to maximize productivity and effectiveness

GOA L 2

Stabilize and grow existing funding sources

GOA L 3

Create new funding opportunities and improve public accountability

GOA L 4

Improve use of capital and technology assets to ensure continuous operational efficiency and effectiveness

HTC 2020 5

ST UDEN T S OF C OLOR IN E NGINE E R I N G F I E L DS

Launching an engineering technology career When HTC student Lee Tucker began her internship, she immediately urged the company to hire her for a full-time job. “I always made sure I was available to stay late,” said Tucker. “I told them that they should hire me full-time because there’s work for me to do.”

Her tenacity paid off. Soon Tucker was working full-time at Hydraulics Specialty Inc. while she continued her classes at HTC. Among her responsibilities, she works with customers to diagnose problems on heavy machinery.

Tucker’s first job in her new career aligned with her field of study, Fluid Power Engineering. She credits support from the HTC community with helping her to enter an engineering technology profession. Several of her co-workers are alumni and her former HTC instructor continues to mentor her.

“You can grow in so many ways in Fluid Power. There are terrific people in this field who want to help you get to where you want to go,” said Tucker.

On the Diverse Top 100 list, HTC is ranked among the best in the nation for conferring degrees to students of color in engineering technologies and engineering-related fields.

#9

for awarding degrees to Asian American students

SOURCE: DIVERSE: ISSUES IN HIGHER EDUCATION, 2020

6 HTC 2020

#22

for awarding degrees to African American students

100

TOP

HTC IS RANKED ON THE DIVERSE TOP 100 LIST FOR THE HIGH NUMBER OF DEGREES WE AWARD TO STUDENTS OF COLOR

HTC 2020 7

H T C R ESPON S E TO C OV ID -19

We’re back on campus During COVID-19, HTC is reinventing how to deliver a quality technical education. We are providing a combination of online-only classes and hybrid classes.

In the hybrid model, students attend lectures that are held online, via Zoom or recorded, and they also attend in-person labs or skills learning on campus.

The transition to virtual and hybrid learning has been an enormous undertaking. In some cases, it has unexpected benefits. Thanks to the ingenuity of faculty, we now have new GoPro videos that demonstrate a variety of skills.

Re-watching videos helps students retain information.

Among the other innovations developed: On-campus learning • •

•

Re-organized the entire college class schedule for social distancing Partnered with employers (Ex: Automotive students repaired vehicles at dealerships when the college was closed.)

Divided classes into smaller groups that rotate to lab stations

Online learning • • •

Purchased new simulation software Collaborated with faculty statewide to improve online instruction Organized virtual communities within classes

Resources & services • •

8 HTC 2020

Held a successful virtual career fair Offered student services virtually, such as tutoring

BECAUSE COVID-19 INCREASED THE DIGITAL DIVIDE, WE LOANED 500+ FREE LAPTOPS TO STUDENTS

ESSENTIAL WORKERS TRAIN HERE Brent Gunkel is student at HTC in the licensed practical nursing program and he also works at an assisted living facility. Though his work is more challenging due to COVID-19, Gunkel says he gains tremendous satisfaction from caring for patients.

“The residents are always telling me incredible stories and it’s amazing to hear from people who are in their 90’s or even older. It’s a privilege that they are sharing their wealth of memories with me,” said Gunkel.

Like so many at HTC, Gunkel is both a college student and a frontline worker — and will continue to be a frontline worker after he graduates. HTC is educating essential workers in a wide range of industries;

Healthcare Childcare Manufacturing Emergency & Public Safety Transportation

We are forever grateful to all frontline heroes for their dedication to keeping our communities safe.

The HTC Student Senate uses Zoom — and so do many classes and clubs.

ONLINE LEARNING EXCELLENCE Prior to the pandemic, we launched the HTC Online Initiative, a program of training and support for faculty and students to improve the quality of distance learning. It has become a model program in the Minnesota State system.

For students, we provide an online orientation class which has improved grades and course pass rates.

For faculty, we offer ongoing professional development opportunities designed to improve online teaching techniques and develop online community-building.

HTC 2020 9

ST UDEN T SUP P ORT D URING C OV ID- 1 9

COVID-19 Crisis Response

HTC distributes free food in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie.

FIGHTING HUNGER

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Students can’t succeed in the classroom when they are hungry. HTC and a local food bank have teamed up to give away nearly 6,200 pounds of food each month during curbside events on campus. Keep in mind, many HTC students are parents with young children. During the pandemic, their children are missing out on school lunches when schools are closed. The pandemic is prompting a significant increase in the demand for food assistance.

Many students lost jobs or work hours and struggle to pay for rent, childcare, tuition and other expenses. We have distributed $1.2 million from federal CARES Act funding and crisis grants from the Hennepin Technical College Foundation. For students who needed additional emergency funds, the amounts provided varied and were based on demonstrated needs. A typical emergency grant was $500.

HTC students struggle with basic needs:

SOURCE: #REALCOLLEGE SURVEY

10 HTC 2020

40% FOOD INSECURITY 56% HOUSING INSECURITY 19% HOMELESSNESS

1.2M

$

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

ARMY VET LOSES JOB, FINDS NEW CAREER After serving two tours of duty in the Middle East, U.S. Army veteran Stephen Hampshire began his civilian life. But when COVID-19 prompted layoffs at his workplace, he lost his job as an insurance adjuster. Using the GI Bill, Hampshire enrolled at HTC and is learning to repair diesel engines.

HTC is seeing an increase in the number of new students who enroll because they lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

Even during the pandemic, there is high demand for diesel engine repair technicians. HTC connected Hampshire with an employer and he’s already working full-time while attending college. In addition to finding a recession-proof career, Hampshire has found his true passion.

PHOTO: ELIZABETH FLORES, STAR TRIBUNE

“I’m just happier in what I do. It doesn’t feel like I’m going to work.

It’s just a few guys working on engines,” said Hampshire.

HTC earned the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon title for providing resources to military veterans

HTC 2020 11

C ELEB R AT ING C ULT URE & INC LUSIO N

CULTURAL AND GLOBAL AWARENESS HTC provides opportunities for civic engagement in a diverse, multicultural society and globallyconnected world: • Celebrated Black History Month with an event organized by the student club, Blacks Rising in Education and Academics • Offered our Diversity Book Club which featured a book on Indigenous cuisine and traditions • Co-sponsored a Domestic Violence Prevention event with the City of Brooklyn Park and advocacy groups for Latina and African women • Completed a food drive with Hennepin Gateway to College on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

12 HTC 2020

TRADITIONAL DANCE BRIGHTENED OUR FIRST-EVER HMONG NEW YEAR CULTURAL EVENT, WHICH WAS ORGANIZED BY OUR EMPLOYEES OF HMONG DECENT.

HTC 2020 13

TA K IN G ACTI ON F OR SOC IAL JUST I CE

A place to begin healing After the horrific death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis Police, our campus community needed to process grief. Through an ongoing response, we offered counseling and listening sessions. We launched an educational initiative, “Ending the Silence on Racism,” which describes the impact of systemic racism and urges actions that make a difference. In addition, the campus collected donations of food and supplies for those impacted by civil unrest in Minneapolis.

Urgency on equity and inclusion The cornerstone of HTC’s equity and inclusion commitment is removing barriers to ensure that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities have equal access to higher education. The social justice movement of 2020 added urgency to this commitment. Among our new initiatives: •

• • •

The Minnesota Governor created the law enforcement education reform task force and named Dr. Merrill Irving Jr., HTC president, as a member HTC departments are prioritizing minority-owned businesses for contracts HTC is increasing student internships with minority-owned companies A Student Persistence Plan is addressing disparities between indigenous students/students of color and white students

Student photos of the George Floyd memorial appear on these pages. To view additional photos and creative work, visit our new art gallery where students share expressions of identity, equity, and healing. https://www.wallacestate.edu/streaming-id.

14 HTC 2020

Mural by Peyton Scott Russell

HTC is one of the most diverse colleges in Minnesota

9.2%

INCREASE OF STUDENTS OF COLOR/INDIGENOUS STUDENTS FROM 2013 TO 2019,

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

An HTC student captured this poignant moment at the George Floyd memorial Art by Daisha Pearson, HTC student

HTC is committed to utilizing an equity lens to intentionally remove barriers and develop strategies for the success of individuals from historically underrepresented populations.

Enhanced access for underrepresented students • •

Expanded K-12 partnerships to increase access to career and technical education Increased support systems such as enhanced free tutoring

Cultural competency and professional development • • • •

Created a work group to help integrate HTC learner values into academics Identified 45 courses that include cultural and global awareness as primary learner value Provided training to assist in developing culturallyrelevant curriculum and delivery methods Provided leadership training that contributes to an inclusive work environment

Improving employee diversity • •

Enhanced the onboarding experience for new employees to improve retention Launched an employee resource group for indigenous employees/employees of color

HTC 2020 15

UNCONVEN T IONAL JOBS, UNSTOP PA B L E WO M E N

PHOTO: NEAL ST. ANTHONY, STAR TRIBUNE

Mom and daughter become bus mechanics

Caption for food drive here caption for food drive here caption for food drive here

Kadejah Young never imagined that she would learn to repair diesel engines with her mom, Kira Young, by her side. “It was intense, but worth it,” Kadejah said. “Even though I’ve graduated, this is a constant learning process.”

CUSTOMIZED TRAINING

Their journey began by entering the Metro Transit Technician Program.

Students learn medium-heavy truck repair at HTC and earn an associate degree. While attending college, they work full-time in paid internships at Metro Transit.

As Minnesota’s economy evolves, HTC provides expert training for employers to upskill their workforce, which builds new career pathways for students and supports a strong regional workforce. More than 200 businesses rely on HTC’s Customized Training, including:

Because students are recruited from underrepresented communities, it allows Metro Transit to successfully hire skilled mechanics and diversify its workforce at the same time. Most importantly, graduates qualify to apply for jobs that offer life-changing, middle-class wages -- and the potential for advancement.

“One day, I’m going to be your supervisor, mom, and I’ll enjoy calling you into the office,” Kadejah joked.

29

METRO TRANSIT HAS HIRED HTC GRADUATES SINCE THE PROGRAM’S START IN 2015 16 HTC 2020

• • • • • •

Allina Health System Boston Scientific GRACO Design Ready Controls Delkor Systems Metro Transit

THE POWER OF MENTORSHIP The numbers are intimidating for women entering Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC-R). In the U.S., less than 2% of HVAC-R technicians are women.

When student Amanda Crafts decided to pursue a career in HVAC-R, she was glad she found a role model and mentor at HTC. Her instructor Rhonda Wiggins is one of only a few women teaching HVAC-R in the Upper Midwest. Each year, HTC organizes the “Unconventional Jobs, Unstoppable Women” series to spotlight women in non-traditional careers and encourage other women to follow in their footsteps. HTC invites high school girls to visit the campus to explore career options in high-paying fields that they might not have ever considered.

“I never imagined that I would enjoy this work. For me, it’s like being a detective. I’m problem solving and I’m making things work,” said Crafts.

SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS Updating curriculum ensures we’re serving the needs of students while meeting the demands of today’s workforce. We recently redesigned the HVAC-R and Automotive Technology programs with input from area employers. The changes allow students more flexibility on pathways to enter into these programs and more options for class availability.

The impact on both of these popular programs was impressive: Increased enrollment Increased graduation rates

HTC 2020 17

I NDU ST RY PA RT NE RS M AKE AN IM PACT

500+

INDUSTRY PARTNERS RECRUIT OUR STUDENTS AND GRADUATES

18 HTC 2020

Leadership in manufacturing As the president and owner of an engineering and manufacturing company, Andrea Tysdal hires an impressive number of graduates from HTC. In 2020, there are more than two dozen alumni working at Tysdal’s company, JEM Technical Marketing Company, Inc. Tysdal is confident in hiring HTC graduates because she’s a graduate too. In 2003, she earned an associate degree in Fluid Power Engineering.

Because of her commitment to giving back to her community, Tysdal maintains an important connection to the college by serving on the Advisory Board for the Fluid Power program at HTC. More than 40 Advisory Boards give feedback on the curriculum by using their industry knowledge in effort to prepare the students for future careers. “It’s extremely valuable when people in industry and the business community are able to develop those components together,” says Tysdal.

These JEM Technical employees are all graduates or students of HTC who have studied Fluid Power Engineering.

HTC 2020 19

RE COGNIT ION F OR E X C E LLE NC E

IT program unveils new classrooms, new awards Our Information Technology (IT) classrooms are now state-of-the-art after the completion of a major renovation project. The classrooms feature collaborative work areas and new technology. Students are better-prepared for their careers when they learn in an environment that replicates a typical workplace.

IT is the highest credit-producing program at the college. We recently added new awards in IT including a certificate and an associate degree in Cyber Defense, a skillset in high-demand.

HTC’s Information Technology program ranks No. 2 in the U.S. on the GradReports 2020 list for best associate degrees. High salaries for first year HTC graduates in IT was one factor used to determine the national rankings.

FACULTY AWARD The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) honored HTC faculty Brad Thorpe with the Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition. Thorpe teaches Automation Robotics Engineering Technology, a program with a 100% job placement rate.

By cultivating partnerships with the business community, Thorpe has secured numerous donations of equipment to ensure students are learning on state-of-the-art technology. He has industry experience and continues to receive industry input by leading an advisory committee, which is comprised of employers who provide input on HTC’s robotics curriculum.

Criteria for the award included demonstrating a passion for students and going above and beyond what is required to ensure that students are successful in academic endeavors.

20 HTC 2020

FORD RANKS HTC PROGRAM #1 IN U.S. Ford Motor Company has ranked HTC’s Ford ASSET program as the top program in the U.S., based on enrollment. With a reputation for quality instruction, Ford ASSET consistently has full enrollment at HTC and attracts students from several states in the Upper Midwest.

100% JOB PLACEMENT

HTC 2020 21

C AR IN G FOR OUR E NV IRONM E NT

HEAR WHAT’S BUZZING? HTC was recently named a Bee Campus USA, a national honor that recognizes our efforts to protect pollinators. We are only the fourth college in Minnesota to earn the title from the Xerces Society.

Students in our Landscaping, Greenhouse and Gardening program support pollinators by improving campus gardens, growing native plants and maintaining beehives. When graduates enter the workforce, they use their valuable skillset to improve pollinator habitats across our communities.

22 HTC 2020

BRIGHT IDEAS

20%

DECREASE IN ENERGY USE IN 2020

1200 LEDs To reduce energy use, we updated our light fixtures to LEDs

THE REDUCTION IN GREENHOUSE GASES IS THE EQUIVALENT OF:

360 CARS

Eliminating off the roadway each year

2000 TREES

Adding to a forest

HTC 2020 23

MA K IN G A DIF F E RE NC E

Hennepin Technical College Foundation By providing financial assistance for students, the Hennepin Technical College Foundation is changing the lives of individuals while increasing the pipeline of skilled workers needed in our region. Data indicates that financial challenges are among the top reasons why students leave HTC. The Foundation is taking action to assist students: The John and Sally Turrittin Opportunity Scholarship is a new endowed scholarship and will be awarded to deserving students. John Turrittin is a Foundation board member and retired faculty member.

Crisis Grants for students address urgent needs such as food, rent, or other basic needs. In response to COVID-19 financial hardships, the Foundation increased its support of Crisis Grants.

Persistence Grants provide financial support for current students who plan to leave college because they fell behind on tuition. In 2020, more than 200 students received the newly-launched grants and early results are promising.

A CAREER IN THE MEDICAL DEVICE INDUSTRY After emigrating to the U.S. from Kenya, Steward Sirueri began working in the medical device industry. Then the arrival of twin daughters brought added joy to their new home. Eager to provide for his growing family and advance his career, Sirueri began studying Manufacturing and Engineering Technology. He received a scholarship from the Foundation to help him complete his associate degree.

24 HTC 2020

PERSISTENCE GRANTS RESULTS

21%

CONTINUED CLASSES & GRADUATED

70% 49%

CONTINUED CLASSES

STUDENT RETENTION

30%

NOT RETAINED

T O V IE W T H E F INANC IAL STATE M E N TS F O R H E N N E P I N TE CH N I C A L C O L L EGE AND T H E F OUND AT I O N , V I S I T HE N N E P I N TE CH .E D U / F I N A N C I A L S

HTC maintains COVID-19 safety protocols. In this document, some photos were taken prior to COVID-19 or were taken with additional safety precautions in place.

HennepinTech.edu info@hennepintech.edu 952-995-1300 Brooklyn Park Campus 9000 Brooklyn Boulevard Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

facebook.com/hennepintechnicalcollege

•

Eden Prarie Campus 13100 College View Drive Eden Prarie, MN 55347

twitter.com/hennepintech

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youtube.com/hennepintech

HTC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Consumers with hearing or speech disabilities may contact us via their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.