At the heart of our college's name is community, and we carry that word with pride and responsibility. At North Hennepin Community College, we are committed to expanding access and opportunity for all, creating pathways that support personal and professional growth, and helping individuals build momentum toward upward mobility.
Of course, we cannot do this work alone. As part of the Minnesota State system, NHCC depends on ongoing investment from the state to deliver an extraordinary, affordable and accessible education to all Minnesotans, while helping develop the skilled workforce our local businesses need. I want to thank our elected officials for the thoughtful work they did this session. We are grateful for this year's Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement and capital investment funding, along with one‑time funding to support an automated identity verification system to combat enrollment fraud.
That kind of sustained public investment is what allows the partnerships we are celebrating this summer to flourish. Recently, the Rotary Club of Maple Grove was preparing to hire a social media consultant but instead partnered with business faculty Brady Prenzlow and five Kappa Beta Delta Honor Society student officers: Noah Plahn, Juan Deleon, Norma Soriano, Exocee Bulonza and Muna Wazwaz. The student-led digital marketing strategy exceeded expectations.
“The students' passion and enthusiasm for helping us get our message out will expand our reach to the people we serve," said Scott Leland, incoming president of the Rotary Club of Maple Grove.
Other collaborations are guided by Maurice O'Bannon, NHCC's director of community impact, whose work brings our college and our neighbors close together. "These partnerships are about more than programming. They are about welcoming people onto our campus who may have never set foot here before and showing them that NHCC is a place where they belong," Maurice shared. This summer, his work takes shape in two meaningful ways.
The first is a partnership with the Sports & Leadership Academy, a 10-day summer career pathway program June 15-26 that introduces middle school students to diverse career options while strengthening essential life and workplace skills. "This partnership lets us reach young people in a fuller way, not just as athletes, but as future professionals, leaders and neighbors," said Frankie Miamen, CEO of the academy.
The second is one of the highlights of our summer, a free Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 20, hosted with the cities of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center. The day will feature live performances and cultural programming, food trucks and local vendors, a community resource fair, and family activities.
Marcellus Davis, racial equity, diversity and inclusion manager for the city of Brooklyn Park, shared, "Juneteenth reminds us that our communities are stronger when we celebrate together. This partnership is about showing up for our neighbors, honoring our shared history and the future we're building side by side."
The events continue throughout the summer. Mark your calendars for more opportunities to gather, celebrate and connect at the Brooklyn Park Farmers Market in July, and the Gus Macker Tournament and IgboFest in August. We hope to see you on campus this summer!