3P5 New Student and Stakeholder Groups

Business and industry leaders frequently approach STI with requests for particular new programs or training. Virtually all STI programs have been developed in response to business and industry needs. For example, in the last four years, Pharmacy Technology, Electroneurodiagnostic Technology, Mechatronics, and Health Information Services were started due to the results of the Workforce Advancement Summit forums conducted by STI, which indicated a high demand for manufacturing, health technology, and pharmacy technician workers. STI’s Early Childhood program was implemented as a direct response to new federal regulations governing Head Start programs which now require educational assistants and teachers working in Head Start programs to have a minimum of a two-year degree in early childhood education or a two-year degree in a closely related field with experience in working with pre-school aged children. In fall 2010 STI added Financial Services Insurance and Surveying programs based on industry needs and state board requests.

Furthermore, STI’s BIT department determines target audiences and programming by reviewing other successful regional programs, surveying area businesses and industries, and developing open enrollment training programs that are indicated by strong interest.

Industry Advisory Committees for each program are very active, meeting with faculty a minimum of two times a year. The participation of administrators in Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, Forward Sioux Falls, and other regional and state organizations, allows STI to be informed about new industries moving into the region that may need training. The STI Council, with representatives from business and the Sioux Falls School Board, provides an additional source of strategic planning regarding new students and stakeholders. All of these business and industry connections provide a direct link to the changing needs in the workplace.

STI reviews its recruitment methods frequently and through the Marketing Committee adjusts STI’s marketing plan. Changes in advertising type (radio, television, billboard, Facebook, YouTube, STI website), advertising group (traditional or non-traditional students or other subgroups), and advertising focus (evening, day, weekend) are determined through these meetings.