What is STW really all about?

The federal School-To-Work Opportunities Act of 1995 spawned a national movement to support closer working relationships between various sectors of our communities and education. The results of closer working relationships would assist the educational system in providing:

• Classroom-based learning experiences with strong contextual connections to life and workplace applications.
• Work-based learning experiences that would expose learners to a broad base of career opportunities and enhance career decision-making.
• Connecting activities that would allow private business, education, community-based agencies, and others to work seamlessly together, resulting in “bringing to scale” the classroom- and work-based learning experiences.

Minnesota began receiving funds under this Act in 1996. A total of 47 partnerships were formed. The total amount awarded in Southeast Minnesota was just over $2 million. These funds will expire in the winter of 2002.