LYFT Career Pathways at SWWC

08/21/2026

Ready to build, program, and compete?

We are excited to support the FIRST Tech Challenge in partnership with High Tech Kids, giving students in grades 7–12 the opportunity to build and program robots while developing skills in engineering, computer science, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

The regional qualifier will take place December 5, 2026, from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at Lakeview Public School in Cottonwood.

Teams of 3–15 students can form through schools, 4-H, scouts, homeschool groups, or even a group of friends. High Tech Kids and FIRST also offer grants and scholarships to help teams get started.

Interested in getting a team started for the 2026–27 school year? Learn more and get involved by visiting the link in the comments.

08/19/2026

We’re excited to spotlight Rick Jorgenson as part of our LYFT Career Pathways Advisory Committee feature!

Rick is the High School Principal at Redwood Area Schools, representing Redwood County. Through his work, he supports students and helps strengthen connections between schools, communities, and future workforce opportunities.

Rick’s favorite part of LYFT Career Pathways is connecting with fellow committee members, hearing about the great work happening across Southwest Minnesota, and exploring ways to strengthen the region’s workforce. He values the group’s shared commitment to students, schools, communities, and the people who call Southwest Minnesota home.

Check the comments for the link, and stay tuned as we continue highlighting the leaders who help guide and support LYFT Career Pathways!

08/19/2026

CTE is more than a class. It’s a connection to what comes next.

Career and Technical Education gives students opportunities to explore careers, build skills, meet local employers, and experience what different pathways can look like after high school.

And in Southwest Minnesota, those connections matter. Research shows that graduates who participated in CTE were more likely to have meaningful workforce participation in the region years after high school.

Strong career pathways don’t happen alone. They grow when schools, businesses, families, and communities work together to give students the chance to explore, expose, and experience what’s possible.

Read the full blog by visiting the link in the comments to learn why CTE matters for students and the future of Southwest Minnesota.

08/12/2026

We’re excited to spotlight Anne Johnson as part of our LYFT Career Pathways Advisory Committee feature!

Anne is the Executive Director of Redwood Area Chamber and Tourism. Through her work, she helps strengthen connections among local businesses, schools, and communities while supporting opportunities that help the region grow.

Anne’s favorite part of LYFT Career Pathways is collaborating with regional education and workforce leaders to create and fund programs that help local students explore careers. She is proud to support work that expands opportunities for rural southern Minnesota and strengthens the region’s workforce now and into the future.

Check the comments for the link, and stay tuned as we continue highlighting the leaders who help guide and support LYFT Career Pathways!

08/11/2026

Lead the future of CTE! Join the 2026–27 Lead CTE Network for district leaders and administrators.

SESSION 1 (Virtual) - Orientation: Choose from Aug 19 - 400-4:45pm, Aug 20 - 7:30-8:15am, or Sept 9 - 12:00-12:45pm

SESSION 2 - Workshop - Face-to-Face: October 5-6, 2026 at St. Cloud Best Western Kelly Inn Conference Center

SESSIONS 3-5 (Virtual): Nov 10th, Jan 7th, and March 17- 9:00-10:30am

SESSION 6 Workshop - Face-to-Face: June 21-22, 2027 at St. Cloud Best Western Kelly Inn Conference Center

Cost: $400 (includes hotel and meals for in-person sessions.)

Build your knowledge, expand your network, and strengthen CTE leadership across Minnesota.

Learn more and register here: https://buff.ly/G7mUEsF

08/10/2026

Workforce shortages continue to challenge communities across Greater Minnesota, but our region is also full of students who care about where they live and may want to build their futures here.

The connection point is opportunity.

When students can explore local careers, meet area employers, and understand the pathways available close to home, they can begin to picture themselves as part of our region’s future workforce. At LYFT Career Pathways, we help create those connections through career exploration and hands-on learning experiences that introduce students to real opportunities before graduation.

By helping students see what is possible here, we can strengthen the workforce and communities of tomorrow.

08/07/2026

Educators across southern Minnesota are gaining hands-on training and new tools to bring robotics, coding, and STEM career exploration into their classrooms.

Through the RESEPI program, participating schools are building sustainable learning opportunities that connect students with real-world skills and future careers.

Learn more about the training and its regional impact through the full story linked in the comments.

08/06/2026

We are excited to partner with Southwest Initiative Foundation and SWWC Service Cooperative for Rally Your Region, a half-day event focused on strengthening education, workforce connections, and economic vitality across Southwest Minnesota.

Educators, employers, economic developers, and community leaders are invited to come together for fresh ideas, meaningful conversations, and practical inspiration for building stronger pathways throughout our region.

Learn more and register through the original post below.

Educators, employers, economic developers, and community leaders: Join us to rally together for a stronger Southwest Minnesota! It's time to catch the vision for education with purpose, employment with passion, and the regional economic vitality that will result.

Rally Your Region is a dynamic, half-day experience that includes a table setting by Nathan Ohle, President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council, an engaging and energetic presentation by workforce expert Mark C. Perna, time for table conversations and networking, and a fireside chat with Nathan and Mark.

Find more details and RSVP: https://swifoundation.org/rally/

We are proud to host this event in partnership with SWWC Service Cooperative and LYFT Career Pathways at SWWC.

08/05/2026

We’re excited to spotlight Renae Jenniges as part of our LYFT Career Pathways Advisory Committee feature!

Renae is an Extension Educator in 4-H Youth Development with University of Minnesota Extension in Nobles County. Renae’s favorite part of LYFT Career Pathways is working together as a region to serve youth and support opportunities for students throughout our communities.

Check the comments for the link, and stay tuned as we continue highlighting the leaders who help guide and support LYFT Career Pathways!

08/04/2026

We're excited to see South Central Service Cooperative and Minnesota State University, Mankato working together to expand hands-on STEM and Career & Technical Education opportunities through the RESEPI Train-the-Trainers program.

By equipping educators with robotics training, classroom resources, and ongoing support, these partnerships are helping more students explore STEM careers, develop technical skills, and prepare for future opportunities.

Read the full story through the link in the original post.