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RW College Promise - Jones Family Foundation - MSC Southeast Logos

 

Contact: Katryn Conlin, Director of Communications
[email protected], 651-385-6364

For Immediate Release 

Minnesota State College Southeast and Jones Family Foundation announce the Red Wing College Promise

Program will ensure access to higher education for graduates of Red Wing public high schools

Red Wing, MN (October 6, 2022) - Representatives of Minnesota State College Southeast and the Jones Family Foundation announced today the launch of the Red Wing College Promise, a program that will guarantee access to a college education at Minnesota State College Southeast to every qualifying student graduating from one of Red Wing's three public high schools: Red Wing High School, Tower View Alternative High School, and 5RiversOnline. 

"The Red Wing College Promise is truly transformative for the students it serves," said Dr. Marsha Danielson, president of MSC Southeast. "This extraordinary gift from the Jones Family Foundation will open up educational opportunity for students of all backgrounds." 

Beginning in August 2023, the Red Wing College Promise will ensure that qualified students who graduate from a Red Wing public high school and live in the Red Wing school district have a direct path to higher education by removing their cost for tuition and fees. Students can earn a certificate, 1-year diploma, or 2-year degree from any program taught at MSC Southeast, and will graduate career-ready or prepared to transfer onward to a four-year institution.

Scott Jones and Anne Jones are the founders of the Jones Family Foundation. Scott Jones said, "The Red Wing College Promise program represents a chance for our Foundation to dramatically increase its investments in post-secondary education for graduates of Red Wing public high schools. We're most proud to be in a partnership with Minnesota State College Southeast in this exciting venture." 

Anne Jones added, "Whenever we've talked about education, we've always said the most important part of higher education is that it is an equalizer for all students. The opportunity to go to college should be available for all students of diverse interests and skills."

The Red Wing College Promise will provide each qualifying student with:

  • Tuition/fees for up to 70 college credits at MSC Southeast
  • $500 per year towards the cost of books, tools, supplies and materials - up to $1000 per student
  • Assistance with enrolling at the college and navigating financial aid
  • Individualized success coaching once enrolled as a student

To qualify for the program, students must have a minimum average high school GPA of 2.0 in their junior and senior years of high school or must identity as first generation to attend college, low-income, or a member of a historically underserved racial/ethnic group. Students must apply to participate in the Red Wing College Promise during their senior year in high school.

"By coming together in this new partnership, we believe there is a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact on students, the school district, the college, and our community as a whole," said Anne Jones. 

"The Red Wing College Promise will not only benefit students -- it will provide an investment in the talent pipeline, increasing the number of trained, skilled, and credentialed local workers that are needed by employers in our region," noted Marsha Danielson.

For more information about the Red Wing College Promise and answers to frequently asked questions, go to www.southeastmn.one/RedWingPromise . 

For media assistance, contact Katryn Conlin, [email protected] or 612-229-5659.

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About Minnesota State College Southeast

Located in the historic river towns of Red Wing and Winona, Minnesota State College Southeast is a two-year technical and community college offering small class sizes, state-of-the-art facilities, and an environment that is friendly and supportive. Minnesota State College Southeast is a member of Minnesota State. For more information, visit www.southeastmn.one.  

About the Jones Family Foundation

The Jones Family Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Red Wing, Minnesota. Since 1988, the Foundation has worked to fulfill its mission of committing leadership and resources to enhance Red Wing's vitality by working in partnership to address critical challenges and advance bold efforts that invigorate the community. For more information, visit www.jonesfamilyfoundation.org.


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