Campus News
Polaris Donates to Power Sports Program
2/28/17
Jackson Campus
Polaris Industries has generously donated five motorcycles to Minnesota West's Power Sports program valued at $75,000 along with an additional $55,000 in state-of-the-art motors and transmissions to use for technical, industry endorsed training for tomorrow’s aspiring technicians.
In addition, Polaris will provide Minnesota West students with access to Polaris factory online training courses, which are used by the company’s highly-skilled technicians. These trainings, which lead to gold standard certified technicians, provide a distinct, competitive employment edge for students of the Minnesota West Power Sports program. Students’ technical skills are aligned, endorsed and certified to a proven industry-leader’s professional standards.
The donation will also allow Minnesota West to apply for matching funds through Minnesota State. The Leveraged Equipment program accelerates the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment on which to train students in areas with high employer need and support. The program is intended to assist colleges and programs in building long term partnerships with communities and employers in high need sectors.
Brandon Lee, Global Service Development Manager at Polaris comments, “Polaris believes in helping to create strong and vibrant communities, which includes supporting students and the future workforce. Through this donation to the Minnesota West, we strive to help students grow their technical skills by providing hands-on access to the latest equipment and technology we can offer.”
Jason Bohl, Power Sports Technology Instructor at the Jackson campus of Minnesota West, adds, “I am so excited and truly grateful that Polaris has committed to making an investment in our students educations by donating an unbelievable amount of resources and technology to our technical program. With the combinations of equipment, curriculum, and now the online training courses, our students will leave Minnesota West with qualifications that will put them at the top of the list when they apply for employment in the power sports industry. Thank you again Polaris!”
Dr. Terry Gaalswyk, president of Minnesota West, comments, “Polaris’ support of our Power Sports program through this generous donation of equipment and technical trainings enables Minnesota West to advance our vision of providing the most relevant career technical programs. Polaris’ investment is yet another indication of the real workforce opportunities we have in this region. Minnesota West is grateful for Polaris’ generosity and confidence in the graduates of our Power Sports program. Thank you to the Polaris Industries team and member of Minnesota West’s Presidents Advisory Council for challenging the college and securing the assistance needed to make this occur.”
The Minnesota West Community & Technical College Power Sports Program is a 32 credit (one year program) designed to prepare students for employment at motorcycle, snowmobile or ATV dealerships, distributorships and manufacturers. The primary focus of the program involves diagnosis, service, and repair.