INVESTING IN THE U

The University of Minnesota has been in the news recently for its cutting-edge research everything from nano-technology sponges to protect our water supply to tackling substance abuse. In addition to the great research work that is being done at the U of M, I wanted to call attention to its critical role of building our workforce for the future. I work for a medium-size Minnesota company that has grown dramatically over the last 10 years. We need a talented workforce to continue to grow and thrive. We continuously seek to hire strong and prepared college graduates who have backgrounds in K-12 education and information technology. My company and many other local companies depend on the state of Minnesota investing in the university to prepare our future workforce.

Currently, the U of M is requesting state funding to invest in the success of Minnesotas students. State funding will help improve graduation rates, reduce undergraduate debt, improve academic experiences and perhaps most importantly produce more Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) degree graduates.

Currently, the U of Ms STEM departments are under great pressure, as increasing numbers of highly qualified students compete to enroll in programs that are full to the brim. At the same time, Minnesota companies are struggling to find the information technology and other STEM employees they need. State funding can help expand those programs. In turn, investing in these programs will supply Minnesota companies with a talented and skilled workforce that our state needs to compete advancing our competitive edge nationally and internationally. I am just one of 24,796 alumni who live in Dakota County, and one of more than 550,000 alumni from the university system. We contribute to a thriving Minnesota every day. I strongly urge the Legislature to support the universitys request for funding for student success that will help our state respond to our significant workforce needs.

Sandy Wiese, Eagan

The writer, chair-elect of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, is senior vice president of business development and government affairs for Data Recognition Corp.

President Trumps 2018 budget includes the elimination of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Eliminating CNCS and its core programs, including AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, would have a crippling impact on our community, devastating local organizations that leverage AmeriCorps and Senior Corps funding to engage citizens in service and to cultivate matching support from non-federal sources.

National service programs not only provide vital services to local residents here in St. Paul but also provide a pathway to employment for young Americans. Through their service, AmeriCorps members gain skills and experience, develop professional networks and earn an education award that can reduce the cost of college. I serve as a proud board member of the Minnesota Alliance With Youth, a statewide organization that supports AmeriCorps Promise Fellows and AmeriCorps VISTAs. In Congresswoman Betty McCollums district, 49 Promise Fellows are supporting 1,470 students. Last year, 91 percent of the students served increased their academic engagement.

AmeriCorps and Senior Corps have a history of bipartisan support. I am counting on Congresswoman McCollum and other members of Congress to continue that legacy of support for this cost-effective, results-driven resource for our community.

Damon Shoholm

The writer is director of James P. Shannon Leadership Institute at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation and board co-chair of the Minnesota Alliance With Youth.

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Letters: Invest in science, tech, engineering and math at the 'U' - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press