Knutson Construction, one of the premier construction companies in the upper Midwest since 1911, recently provided scholarship support to Riverland Community College Carpentry Technology students, a donation that tripled in value with matching funds.

In an effort to address the growing shortage for skilled carpenters across Minnesota,—especially in the Rochester area—Knutson Construction has collaborated with Riverland’s Carpentry Technology program to support students who are preparing for a career in the construction industry.

“With the high demand for skilled labor, it was important for Knutson Construction to create a scholarship to support the students in the carpentry program and decrease the financial barriers of attending college and help prepare them for the local workforce,” said Tom Leimer, general manager of Knutson Construction’s Rochester office.

Knutson Construction provided a $500 scholarship to Riverland’s carpentry students. This $500 gift was donated during the “March Millions” special fundraising campaign that was matched with an additional $500 from Bremer Bank. The matched funds qualified toward the MnSCU Leveraged Equipment project funded by the state legislature. This match created an additional $500 to be used to purchase of state-of-the-art equipment to support the carpentry program and enhance teaching and learning.

Steve Bowron, Riverland’s dean for institutional advancement, appreciates Knutson Construction for their scholarship support and for timing their donation to leverage additional funds to support the carpentry program. “This $500 scholarship gift turned into $1,500 to advance career and technical education,” Bowron said. “The current need for skilled labor makes it even more important to have partners like Knutson Construction step up and help bring attention and support to this growing demand for a technically skilled workforce.”

“As a community college, Riverland works hard to build strong partnerships with companies like Knutson Construction,” said Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, Riverland president. “There is an exponential dividend and benefit to the community in particular and the society at large when our students receive the necessary assistance to enroll and successfully complete degrees like our Carpentry program offers.”

The Riverland Carpentry Technology program is a two-year diploma program that teaches students a solid foundation for a successful carpentry career. Students participate in actually building a house, from initial site work and footings through the interior and exterior finish, during each year of the Riverland program. This lab-intensive program focuses on basic hands-on training in one of the largest, best-equipped carpentry shops in the state. Riverland Community College Carpentry Program is proud to be one of the 2014 NAHB/Builders Mutual Safety Award for Excellence (SAFE) winners. The Riverland Community College Foundation raises, manages and distributes resources to support, enhance and promote the educational opportunities Riverland Community College offers the people of the region. Because achieving dreams of a better life may be financially challenging, the Riverland Community College Foundation is committed to raising funds for scholarships. The Riverland Community College Foundation is a charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) and is funded by local donors. Contributions to the Riverland Community College Foundation are fully tax-deductible.

Knutson Construction, founded in 1911 by Thor Knutson, has proudly shaped the communities they serve for more than a century. John Curry and Jim Michael acquired the company in 1985 and expanded to the Rochester office in 1997. For more information about Knutson Construction, visit their website at www.knutsonconstruction.com