A Letter from the Director, Karen White

Reach your potential with a rewarding, lifelong career in a high-tech, high-paying, dynamic industry-engineering and advanced manufacturing. Gain the skills you need for this industry by enrolling in one of the 360° smart education programs.

Bemidji State University began work several years ago as part of the Knowledge Cluster Project, which was part of the state's Regional Economic Development effort. That work resulted in over 18 site visits to industry partners to interview employees, hold focus groups, and meet with management about the skills needed to be successful in today's and tomorrow's workplace.

In the fall of 2005, Bemidji State University was selected to be one of four state universities in Minnesota to become a Center of Excellence. BSU will be a Manufacturing and Applied Engineering Center of Excellence.

Bemidji State University began working with seven (7) excellent community and technical schools across Minnesota as partners in the Center of Excellence, including:

• Central Lakes College
• Minneapolis Community and Technical College
• Northland Community and Technical College
• Northwest Technical College - Bemidji
• Pine Technical College
• St. Cloud Technical College
• Saint Paul College

Now called 360° and with the addition of Riverland Community College, our vision "For the 21st Century is Smart workers; Smart careers; Smart companies; Smart education." Through fulfilling our mission to "build the future workforce for advanced manufacturing in Minnesota through innovative and collaborative education" we will be providing valuable resources to potential students, current students, and business and industry.

Join 360° to develop the skills you need for a high-tech, creative, rewarding career in engineering and advanced manufacturing - now and as you move up in this dynamic industry.

Surround yourself with success.

Sincerely,

Karen White

Director, 360°