On Tuesday several members of the Cook County Higher Education Board and some of its staff sat down for lunch with Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk (DFL) District 3, Iron Range Resources Rehabilitation Board Commissioner Mark Philips and District 3 Representative Rob Ecklund at the North Shore Campus.
CCHE Executive Director Paula Sundet Wolf presented the three men with information that laid out a strong case for the 2017 Minnesota legislature to increase CCHE’s annual funding from $140,000 to $500,000.
Impacts of a $360,000 increase would be beneficial on several levels. Divvied up, $159,538 would be used to create more programs for the hospitality industry, (culinary arts, customer service certificates, etc.), and health care (LPN and RN degrees) as well as for technology upgrades. Increased funding ($112,162) would be used to add two full-time staff. Currently, CCHE operates with three full-time and one part-time staff members. Some dollars ($71,500) would pay for modest upgrades to the infrastructure, and $16,800 would go to advertising and promotion.
Founded in 1996, Cook County Higher Education offers a plethora of programs for displaced workers, high school students, senior citizens and workplace professionals. Students receive college certificates and degrees through collaborations with area colleges and universities, and CCHE averages 85 students per year. More than 55 employees at the hospital and care center (and other local health care facilities) received their education through CCHE, which translates to a minimum estimate of $1,740,000 annually in wages generated in the county.
CCHE students have a 90 percent completion rate for college certificates and degree programs. This success for the students couldn’t happen without academic preparation, academic assistance—free mentor support services— advocacy for students to address particular needs such as disabilities or for transfer of credits, prior learning credit, and much more.
Bakk and Eklund said they were impressed with the impact CCHE has had on the community and individuals who have benefited from enrollment in the school. Both stated they would advocate for more funding for the school but could make no promises on the school receiving more money in the coming legislative session.
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