Over the past twenty years, there have been discussions on possible solutions for post-secondary educational opportunities in Scott County.  SCALE has had a committee that has been reviewing this and recently have been meeting with high school and industry to identify what the critical training and educational needs are in the community.

The city will be retaining a consultant to explore what exactly those opportunities are in Scott County along with how it could potential mesh those needs and requirements with the proposed Innovation Center. 

Staff has been in discussions with Minnesota State for several months.  MSU already has a location in Edina.  The potential Shakopee/Scott County location would respond to the needs of the community and our local businesses and industry.

The areas that will explored with Minnesota State include:

• Continuing Professional Education opportunities including but not limited to: Customized training; continuing education; and closed cohort contracts.
• Off-campus degree completion and graduate certificates and degree programs
• Applied research opportunities
• Internships and employment opportunities for MSU students
• Service learning opportunities with faculty and students

The proposed MOU will allow the city's consultant to work with MSU staff on potential curriculum  programming and help identify potential training partnerships/opportunities in the region.

Minnesota State University has arrangements with Hennepin Technical College, Dakota County Technical College and Normandale Community College.  Minnesota State will coordinate with its partners on programs that could also be offered by these educational organizations.