Hennepin Technical College 2021 Annual Report

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

hroughout the past year, Hennepin Technical College’s students, faculty and staff have demonstrated amazing innovation, courage, and adaptability in the face of our changing world.

The college continued to operate with dedication to our mission, vision, and values. The college strategic plan Access to Success mapped our way forward to assist HTC students in achieving their educational goals.

As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the institution’s 50th anniversary in 2022, we are actively engaged in continuous quality improvement measures and expanded industry and community partnerships. I am proud of the external partnerships dedicated to our shared goals, vision and student success outcomes.

This report will demonstrate how HTC continues to change lives and benefit our region. We welcome you to partner and engage with us as we advance the mission of our institution. We are grateful for your continued support.

Sincerely,

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

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

HTC 2021 1

C OMMENCEM E NT 2021

The Class of 2021 Graduates demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Due to COVID, a traditional commencement ceremony wasn’t possible. Instead, HTC created a special video that was broadcast on local television and graduates visited campus to take photos in their caps and gowns.

2 HTC 2021

MINNESOTA’S LARGEST STAND-ALONE TECHNICAL COLLEGE CREDIT-SEEKING STUDENTS SERVED ANNUALLY

6,296

 TWO MILESTONES — ONE PHOTO What’s the best way to celebrate graduation in 2021? Law enforcement graduate Jeffery Maciej marked the milestone by receiving his COVID vaccine at a clinic held on campus.

HTC 2021 3

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

READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS For the 5th consecutive year, HTC was voted “Best Technical College & Best Vocational School” by Sun Newspapers Readers’ Choice Awards

HTC IS MINNESOTA’S LARGEST STAND-ALONE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

6,296

64% 36%

STUDENTS SERVED ANNUALLY

27

PART-TIME STUDENTS

FULL-TIME STUDENTS

84%

AVERAGE AGE OF STUDENT

58% 41% 1% MALE

OF STUDENTS WORK & ATTEND HTC

FEMALE

UNKNOWN/ OTHER

#24 RANK IN THE U.S. for conferring degrees to students of color

HTC is a Yellow Ribbon College for providing resources to military veterans

in engineering technologies and related fields SOURCE: DIVERSE ISSUES IN HIGHER EDUCATION, 2021

HTC IS ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE COLLEGE CAMPUSES IN MINNESOTA

4 HTC 2021

64%

ARE STUDENTS FROM UNDERREPRESENTED POPULATIONS

46%

ARE STUDENTS OF COLOR

23%

ARE FIRSTGENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS

LOW TUITION

TOP COUNTIES SERVED

$19,873 $12, 624

WITH CAMPUSES IN BROOKLYN PARK AND EDEN PRARIE

$5,161 HTC

SOURCE: MINNESOTA STATE

SHERBURNE RASMUSSEN

DUNWOODY

ANOKA WRIGHT HENNEPIN

RAMSEY

CARVER HTC was named “Hunger Free Campus” for our commitment to end food insecurity

SCOTT

DAKOTA

2021 BEST COLLEGES Based on highest salaries and lowest student loan debt, these HTC programs are among the best in the nation within their field

45+ PROGRAMS OF STUDY

BUILDING & LANDSCAPING BUSINESS & ACCOUNTING CHILD DEVELOPMENT EMERGENCY & PUBLIC SERVICE GENERAL EDUCATION/ COLLEGE TRANSFER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS TRANSPORTATION

RANK IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RANK IN HVAC (HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING, AND REFRIGERATION)

RANK IN ACCOUNTING

RANK IN CULINARY ARTS

RANK IN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

#2 #3 #4 #12 #13

SOURCE: GRADREPORTS

HTC 2021 5

I NDU ST RY PA RT NE RS H IPS

A different path into engineering What are you going to do after high school? When David Mehr was a senior at Wayzata High School, that question weighed on him.

“I spoke with some guys who were in the workforce about their jobs. I knew I didn’t want to work in an office,” said Mehr.

His high school counselor recommended a new apprenticeship program for engineering technology, ICATT (Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training). It provides students with a full scholarship and an “earn while you learn” model. Mehr studies Automation Robotics at HTC while also working at Buhler, a manufacturing firm.

“It helps because I go to HTC and learn a concept or skill that I can use at my job. Quite often, I can say to my instructor at work, ‘Oh yes, I learned about this last week.’

It’s great to have something directly connected,” said Mehr.

With ICATT, Mehr works part-time and he attends HTC part-time yet he is paid a full-time salary. In effect, he’s getting paid to attend classes. Upon successful completion of the program, Mehr has a job waiting for him at Buhler.

“I’ll have no student loan debt and a college degree. Having career growth opportunity and college paid for — it was totally worth it.”

— David Mehr Automation Robotics Student

6 HTC 2021

FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND IN MINNESOTA HTC is the only college in Minnesota in ICATT, the largest apprenticeship program in the U.S. that is fully benchmarked on the German Dual Education System. Since its launch in 2020, eight HTC students are enrolled and working at manufacturing employers through ICATT.

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN ICATT is just one example of an “earn-while-you-learn” opportunity and there are others, including:  Paid internships in the curriculum Medium/Heavy Truck and Ford ASSET are among the programs that require students to secure a paid internship in their field of study.  HTC Scholarships Internship HTC invites industry partners to sponsor a student intern through the HTC Scholarship Internship.

An employer provides a student with a scholarship of $2,000 or more — along with a paid internship.

The students receive real-world experience in their field of study and it often leads to full-time job offers.

HTC 2021 7

O N -CA MPU S, H YBRID & ONLINE

COVID safety and campus life

6 CAMPUS

VACCINATION EVENTS

8 HTC 2021

320 PEOPLE

VACCINATED

HTC students, faculty and staff continue to innovate as they navigate the challenges of the pandemic. Due to the Delta variant, a number of precautions remain in place.

Based on a directive from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, HTC reinstated a requirement for face coverings on campus in the fall 2021 and required all employees to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.

With online-only classes growing in popularity, faculty are continually finding new ways to offer engaging distance learning. Simulation software and GoPro videos are among the options to enhance virtual instructions.

For programs that require in-person training, HTC offers hybrid classes which are held both in-person and virtually; students attend lectures on Zoom then they come to campus for in-person instruction such as labs or skills training.

COLLEGE SUCCESS SEMINAR The new College Success Seminar is a class designed to have a positive impact on a student’s entire college experience by providing more tools to improve academic success. Students learn about valuable resources, technology skills and winning strategies.

Faculty Gail Waller has seen remarkable growth in confidence among her students. To encourage enrollment, the first 75 students enrolled at no cost, thanks to funding from the HTC Foundation.

“The class reinforces the skills I have learned previously and shows me how to apply them. It also makes me feel well-informed,” said Erick J., student.

 GOING VIRTUAL To recognize its work to create engaging virtual services and events, the Student Life and Career Development team received the Innovator of the Year award from a national organization. In the past, there were roughly 100 participants each month in various leadership and career activities, such as career fairs.

After moving more activities to the virtual environment, there were 500 participants each month.

Team members (from left) Laura Otieno, coordinator, Jese Ledbetter, coordinator, and Stephen Harper, director.

HTC 2021 9

ST UDEN T BA S IC NE E D S

FOOD INSECURITY: WHEN A PERSON IS WORRIED THAT FOOD WILL RUN OUT BEFORE BEING ABLE TO AFFORD MORE

HTC cancels tuition debt For students who suffered significant hardships during COVID, Crisis Grant funding was available, based on need. Among those who qualified were students who needed money to pay tuition, rent, childcare, medical expenses, and more.

In addition, HTC also distributed federal COVID funds, through direct grants, to all eligible students. Low income students received two direct grants.

While these types of financial assistance were available at colleges nationwide, HTC also used federal funds in a unique way: the college cancelled the tuition debt of students with outstanding balances during semesters impacted by COVID. HTC was among only a handful of colleges in Minnesota State to do so -- and the impact was significant. Students with unpaid debt over the amount of $500 are not allowed to register for new semester classes. With their debt cleared, students could continue their education. The funding was through the HEERF (Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund).

$1M

FEDERAL FUNDS PROVIDED TO 1,300+ HTC STUDENTS

$1K

TYPICAL AMOUNT OF CANCELLED TUITION DEBT

10 HTC 2021

75%

of HTC students say they have been food insecure in the past 6 months

 ONE STOP SHOPPING Students who are hungry or lack stable housing can’t focus on college classes. Brittani Senser is ready to help. In her new role as HTC’s Social Worker, Senser connects students with resources, such as assistance with accessing grants and funding for food, housing, mental health assistance and childcare. In addition, HTC opened a new Campus Resource Center, a one-stop-shop with helpful information and free items; toiletries, pantry food items, and gently-used clothing.

“HTC is a caring community.

Because many of our students are parents with young children, we know that the help we’re providing is improving the lives of students and their families,” said Senser.

HTC and a non-profit have given away 100,000 pounds of food to students since the inception of the free grocery events on campus.

HTC 2021 11

NE W DEGR EE & C E RT IF IC AT E

12 HTC 2021

BAKING AND PASTRY FOR ENTREPRENEURS Students are creating exceptional pastries, desserts and artesian breads in new Baking and Pastry classes. With a focus on culinary entrepreneurship, students are learning the skills needed to succeed as small business owners while they receive hands-on experience in creating baked goods. Students may earn a certificate or associate degree. HTC is the only institution in Minnesota State to offer an associate degree in Baking and Pastry.

Baking and Pastry is offered through HTC’s Culinary Arts program which ranks #12 nationally, SOURCE: BEST COLLEGES 2021

HTC 2021 13

EQUIT Y & IN C LUSION

Equity by Design Students in underrepresented communities face significant barriers to accessing education and achieving academic success. Equity by Design is a data-driven methodology to understand and address disparities and create equityminded practices. At HTC, a wide range of training opportunities are provided to integrate this mindset into classrooms and college-wide systems and practices. Equity by Design is one component in Equity 2030, a goal which pledges to eliminate the educational equity gaps at every Minnesota State college and university by 2030. In addition, advancing equity and inclusion is a pillar of HTC’s strategic plan.

Lamia Jano Faculty, Biology Member, Equity & Inclusion Committee

Robert McGinley Myers Faculty, English Member, Equity by Design Committee

“Previously, I focused on equality in my course designs by providing all students with the same resources and treatment. Now, I focus on equity by ensuring that each student is provided with what they need to achieve success.”

“Being equity-minded challenges us in many ways. It challenges us to look at the students who are not doing well and ask — what can we do better as educators? We used to think that students needed to be college-ready.

Now we understand that the college needs to be student-ready.”

14 HTC 2021

 LEARNING ABOUT SYSTEMIC RACISM Through a series of educational activities, students, faculty and staff learned about the history and impact of housing discrimination in the Twin Cities. The year-long program was titled, “Geography of Inequality: Learning about Systemic Racism in Minnesota” and described redlining and racial covenants. During a field trip, participants visited Minneapolis homes that were once pivotal in the fight against housing discrimination in the mid-twentieth century.

“Geography of Inequality” Learning activities:  Campus screening of “Jim Crow of the North,” a TPT documentary  Documentary filmmaker webinar  HTC audio student produced a podcast for HTC’s website  HTC graphic design student created a custom logo

Logo designed by Daisha Pearson, HTC student

HTC 2021 15

AWA R DS & R E C OGNIT ION

 FACULTY DISTINCTION AWARD For more than four decades, Susan Thaemert has served as an instructor in the Dental Assistant program at HTC and currently leads the program as the director.

The American Association of Community Colleges selected Thaemert for the prestigious Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition.

Serving in numerous leadership roles, Thaemert has a tremendous impact on dental instruction in Minnesota and the U.S. At HTC, Thaemert uses a unique classroom approach to encourage students to actively engage in learning and serve in their communities. Graduates leave wellprepared to pass certification exams and succeed in their careers.

16 HTC 2021

 GOLD, SILVER & BRONZE HTC student Dmitry Katkov earned the gold medal in Computer Programming at the 2021 SkillsUSA nationals.

HTC students also earned two silvers and one bronze in other categories. SkillsUSA organizes state and national competitions for career and technical students.

 GOVERNOR APPOINTS STUDENT Minnesota’s Governor appointed HTC student Asani Ajogun to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees. Ajogun is one of only two college students on the prestigious board. He was president of HTC’s Student Senate and serves as a special adviser to a university in Nigeria.

HTC 2021 17

WOMEN IN NON-T RAD IT IONAL C AR E E R S

First woman of color in HVAC Cassy Jensen is a trailblazer. In high school, Jensen worked as a maintenance technician at apartment complexes and challenged herself to learn new skills to increase her expertise. She was promoted to lead technician.

To advance her career, Jensen enrolled at HTC. Faculty believe that she is the first woman of color to graduate from Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) at the college.

Though HTC is working to bring more diversity into the program, currently, nearly all the HVAC students are men. Jensen says she quickly realized her classmates and faculty were supportive and welcoming. In addition, HTC provides an advisor who consults with both women and men who enter non-traditional careers.

18 HTC 2021

“I take a lot of pride in where I am now. It took a lot to get where I am.

I learned that hard work allows you to move up. I get confidence from my mom. She raised me and my brother as a single mom. She’s always told us, ‘don’t let anyone tell you that you are different. You put effort into anything and you can do anything.’”

— Cassy Jensen HVAC Graduate

BE BOLD, BREAK THE MOLD Information technology (IT) and cybersecurity are among the professions in which women are underrepresented. “Be Bold, Break the Mold” is a new mentoring program that aims to recruit and retain more women in IT. Students are matched with mentors who are successful women working in IT. Throughout the year, students and mentors discuss career topics and complete professional development activities. The motto of the program is, “If you can see it, you can be it.”

 HOCKEY MOM IN CYBERSECURITY After Kara Hummel lost her job due to the pandemic, she enrolled in HTC’s cybersecurity program and enjoyed the convenience of online classes.

“I would listen to class lectures during my son’s hockey games, but then I would go back later and listen to the recordings again,” said Hummel.

Hummel has another success strategy that she often shares with her classmates. She is creating her own “panel” of mentors who will support her in her new career.

To meet a new mentor, she’s enrolled in a new HTC mentoring program for women in IT, “Be Bold, Break the Mold.”

“I’m meeting people and I’m growing my community of professionals,” said Hummel.

HTC 2021 19

K-12 PART NER SH IP S

More demand for PSEO Students can jump start their college education with Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO). More than 200 high school students from nine districts take classes at HTC and earn high school and college credits.

As a result of a special partnership, HTC added PSEO classes specifically for students from the Robbinsdale district. Students who participate in career and technical education are more likely to graduate from high school and college.

Culinary classes on Zoom During the summer, our Culinary faculty helped introduce middle school students to career and technical education.

Students from the Robbinsdale district each received a box of ingredients at home. Then they cooked a recipe while listening to an HTC Culinary class on Zoom. It was all part of a summer program called “College for Kids.”

In addition to virtual visits to the Culinary program, the students also met faculty and learned about career options in Automation Robotics Engineering Technology, Automotive Technology, Landscape/Horticulture, and Licensed Practical Nursing.

20 HTC 2021

 HIGH SCHOOL WELDER IN COLLEGE Instead of wearing a cap and gown for graduation photos, Ty Larson wore a welding helmet and gloves while he showed off his new diploma.

Larson’s graduation was unique for another reason.

He completed a college degree prior to officially receiving his high school diploma. Larson was a student in Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), which allows students to attend college while they are still in high school.

PSEO students earn dual credits and do not pay for tuition, books or fees. “PSEO was a terrific way for me to explore whether or not I liked welding without any risk.

It turned out great because I discovered welding is the best career for me,” said Larson.

Larson’s dream is to launch his own welding business.

HTC 2021 21

FIN ANCIAL S UPPORT

Fire and COVID can’t stop this nursing student As a single, working mom with four young children, Anai Arteaga routinely pulls off a superhero juggling act.

Yet, nothing could have prepared her for the avalanche of hardships that she faced recently.

Tragically, her beloved grandfather died from COVID-19.

Arteaga suffered from “long haul” COVID and several additional family members were sickened by the virus too.

Then, prior to her fall semester at HTC, a fire broke out in her apartment building which also damaged her unit.

Faculty helped Arteaga replace textbooks and a laptop for her Licensed Practical Nursing classes. In addition, she received an HTC Foundation Crisis Grant, funding for students who experience unexpected emergencies.

The grants can make the difference between a student continuing in college or leaving their studies in order to deal with their emergency.

Arteaga graduated in the spring of 2021 with honors and hopes to work in a hospital in the Twin Cities in a COVID unit.

“At first, I didn’t think that I should apply for it because I knew so many other people were needing help during COVID. The grant really did help me and I appreciate it.”

— Anai Arteaga Practical Nursing Graduate

HTC Foundation Crisis Grant funding for students who experience unexpected emergencies

22 HTC 2021

$50,000

CRISIS GRANTS AWARDED SINCE 2019

$500

MAXIMUM GRANT FOR EACH STUDENT

56

STUDENT RECIPIENTS IN 2021

The Hennepin Technical College Foundation is fostering a culture of generosity in the community and removing financial barriers for students. In partnership with HTC, the Foundation is working to ensure career and technical education is accessible to everyone.

Generous and thoughtful donors contribute to the Foundation which allows the organization to award scholarships and emergency funds to students. In addition, the Foundation supports numerous initiatives that support the strategic initiatives of HTC. During the past year, individuals, national foundations, and businesses have provided funding for scholarships and grants.

When a student receives financial assistance, it improves their chances of a higher retention rate and completing their educational goals.

•

•

•

In the 2020-2021 academic year, more than $401,000 in scholarships were awarded.

Endowed scholarships grew to more than $1,361,000 during the same year.

The new “I Made It! Grants” provided more than $142,000 in financial support for 395 students who had fallen behind on tuition.

The grants are intended to prevent students from leaving college due to tuition debt.

 A BIG BOOST FOR SCHOLARSHIPS The pandemic is causing financial hardships and has inspired generous HTC supporters to offer additional scholarship assistance. The Foundation announced one of the largest donations it has ever received from an individual. Entrepreneur and alliantgroup CEO, Dhaval Jadav, donated $100,000 for scholarships and grants.

The first $25,000 will support scholarships for the Automation Robotics Engineering Technology program and the remaining donation will provide scholarships to students across all programs at the college.

HTC 2021 23

ALU MN I SPOT LIGH T

A bit of Hollywood at HTC After closing due to COVID, movie theaters re-opened in the summer of ‘21 – just in time for the release of a film with a connection to HTC. “Under the Stadium Lights,” was released nationwide and was directed by Todd Randall, an HTC instructor and alumnus.

The film depicts the inspirational true story of a high school football team and features several stars including actor Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix).

Hollywood hasn’t lured Randall away from HTC. He has managed to juggle his film career while teaching a class in HTC’s Interactive Design and Video Production program.

Randall is a graduate of the program and credits his experiences on campus with helping him to launch his dream career. Now, he pays it forward. Several HTC students worked on “Under the Stadium Lights” during filming in Owatonna.

“I tell my students that if they work hard in class and are dedicated to their craft that I will be there for them,” said Randall.

We are celebrating our

50TH beginning in the fall 2022!

ANNIVERSARY

Alumni are invited to share favorite HTC memories and provide career updates.

Email us at: Communications@hennepintech.edu

24 HTC 2021

TO V I E W THE F I N A N CI A L S TATE M E N TS F O R HE N N E PI N T ECHN I CA L CO L L E G E A N D THE F O U N DATI O N, V I S I T HE N N E P I N TE CH.E DU / F I N A N CE 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

•

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.