Minnesota West hosts "College is for Me" Program for new college students

Posted on May 22, 2025
Save the date, College is for me event

Minnesota West Community & Technical College announces its "College is for Me" program, designed to empower first-generation students, English language learners and anyone new to college by providing essential tools and resources for success in higher education.

For many individuals, being the first in their family to pursue college can be daunting. Recognizing this challenge, Minnesota West is offering a unique opportunity for students of all ages with a high school diploma or GED to participate in a comprehensive program aimed at easing the transition into college life.

The "College is for Me" program will be held at both the Worthington and Granite Falls campuses, providing participants with a week-long immersive experience. The program will run from June 9 to 12 at each location.

During the program, participants will engage in a variety of activities aimed at familiarizing them with college life. Key focuses include understanding college resources and services, career exploration, financial aid guidance, and developing essential academic writing skills. Additionally, participants will benefit from the free 1-credit Freshman Seminar course and have assistance in developing their academic writing skills.

"Our goal with the 'College is for Me' program is to provide a supportive environment where first-generation students and English language learners can gain confidence and skills essential for their college journey," said Linda Pesch, Director of Enrollment. "By offering this program free of cost, we aim to break down barriers to higher education and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve their academic goals."

Two opportunities are offered:

Worthington Campus | 1450 Collegeway | Worthington, MN
June 9-12 | 8:30 am-12:30 pm (Lunch Provided) Register online >

Granite Falls Campus | 1593 11th Ave | Granite Falls, MN
June 9-12 | 8:00 am-4:30 pm (Lunch Provided) Register online >

The program is limited to 15 students per campus, ensuring personalized attention and support for each participant. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to the program coordinators for further information:

Worthington Program, Contact:
Beth Bents, beth.bents@mnwest.edu, 507-372-3418

Granite Falls Program, Contact:
Laurel Christianson, laurel.christianson@mnwest.edu, 320-564-5052