2R4 Strengthening the Organization and Building Relationships

BIT: BIT plays an integral role in economic development and employer workforce training by offering short-term customized programs which directly meet the needs of regional business. It supports STI’s mission of educating for employment (by providing training in areas that do not require a degree) and lifelong learning (by providing customized training opportunities that can lead to improved job performance and opportunities to develop individual skills). BIT’s role strengthens STI’s ties to its business and industry stakeholders. Building those relationships impacts other areas such as new program development and opportunities for student scholarships, internships, clinicals, and employment, as well as funding or equipment.

AEL: The existence of the AEL program and the community relationships which are built as students attend the programs strengthen the institution. Examples include AEL’s partnership with Goodwill Temporary Aid to Needy Families to provide GED instruction and ESL; the Sioux Falls Cultural Center to offer ESL classes; Project Connect to offer a one-stop shop for underemployed and economically disadvantaged people to help the homeless better themselves; and the state’s WIA program to test clients to help them determine what educational opportunities may be available for them. All help STI better connect and meet the needs of the community. Additionally, many of the GED graduates go on to attend STI as degree-seeking or BIT students.