St. Cloud State Lands Two State Grants to Train Workers at EssilorLuxottica, American Solutions for Business

(KNSI) – St. Cloud State University is getting nearly $290,000 in state money to help train workers at two Minnesota companies, including a major expansion underway right here in St. Cloud.

The larger of the two grants, $248,437, will fund a partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the global eyewear giant behind brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley. The company is adding 3,000 square feet to its St. Cloud campus, packed with new automation robotics and digital technology, and SCSU will help get workers up to speed on running it. The 240-hour program goes beyond machine training, giving workers a chance to build leadership and professional skills aimed at moving them up the career ladder.

A second grant of $41,476 pairs St. Cloud State with American Solutions for Business, a Glenwood-based marketing and print company that serves clients in retail, healthcare and manufacturing. That 22-hour program can be done remotely or onsite. It’s meant to sharpen employees’ digital skills, customer service and conflict resolution.

The grants come from the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership, a state program run through the Department of Employment and Economic Development that connects schools with businesses to build custom training programs.

DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek said the partnership keeps high-quality jobs in Minnesota by giving workers the skills companies need to grow.

SCSU was one of seven Minnesota colleges and universities to land grants in this round. The others are Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Hennepin Technical College, Minnesota State University Mankato, Northland Community & Technical College, Century College and Central Lakes College.

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