TOGETHER WE TRAIN WINONA Initiative

(KWNO)-Winona County residents will now be able to take part in a new initiative that will provide no-cost tuition. TOGETHER WE TRAIN WINONA is an initiative meant to provide life-changing opportunities to the citizens of Winona who are facing underemployment and unemployment. Winonans interested in attending Minnesota State College Southeast through the program will be able to obtain education and training to bolster their skills and obtain full-time employment.

Winona County, Winona CareerForce, and Minnesota State College Southeast are partnering to bring eligible residents to the initiative.

“The TOGETHER WE TRAIN WINONA initiative is an exciting opportunity to support Winona County residents and fulfill the goals of the American Rescue Plan funds,” said Maureen Holte, Interim County Administrator, of Winona County. “Many individuals and businesses across our county will be positively impacted.”

Funding will be available through 2024 or until all funds are utilized. Participants will be able to use funds for tuition and fees, as well as, books, technology rentals, supplies, tools, uniforms, or other items directly related to their desired coursework.

All participants will be required to complete standard documentation and other processes prior to enrollment.

While funds can be applied to any of the college’s career and technical certificates, diplomas, non-credit continuing education classes, and degree programs, participants in the Liberal Arts & Sciences and Transfer Pathway majors are excluded.

Minimum eligibility requirements for TOGETHER WE TRAIN WINONA: individuals must be residents of Winona County who graduated high school prior to January 1, 2020, and be unemployed or underemployed. Continued residency in Winona County throughout participation in the program and a 2.0 GPA are also required.

Those seeking additional information about TOGETHER WE TRAIN WINONA can go to www.southeastmn.edu/TrainWinona or contact Autumn Herber, Workforce Development Specialist, at 507-205-6057 or Autumn.Herber@state.mn.us.