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STEM/Transportation
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SDSU CIM Student Focus: Anthony “Tony” Valland

Anticipated Graduation Date: Spring 2026

decision, joining the CIM program, thanks and sales. This summer
to a little bit of recruiting from another I’ll be taking an experi-
CIM student as well as our program direc- ential work role at Knife
tor, Tim Hostettler, was a decision I’ve been River in Sioux Falls, focus-
extremely happy with ever since. Now, just ing on the sales aspects of
halfway through my CIM program, I’ve the industry. During this
become more comfortable with change and time, I’ll hone-in more on
better understand what is expected in this what I want to pursue as a
large industry and in real-world business career while doing every-
too. thing I can to continue to
The CIM program has been a great learn what my mentors at
opportunity to pursue my interests in busi- Knife River will teach. I’m
ness, construction, marketing, project excited to be able to apply
management, and this degree will make me the knowledge I’ve gained
unique when I graduate. I’m not worried in my classes, labs, and
about my long-term income, security, or my prior real-world industry
happiness. CIM is so niche, and the curricu- work experience too.
lum is so balanced, it’s a great chance to also The SDSU CIM program supporters work experiences and future career paths.
have as much fun as you can while you’re made up of industry leadership, our North All the CIM students at SDSU are extremely
in college. I lucked out, learning about this Central Region Patrons Group, not only grateful for their investment and belief in us
Leaving home to attend a college great industry and the wide variety of career donate dollars to ensure there are scholar- — We know our low-to-no debt 4-year CIM
program where I’d be learning something options available. As a CIM graduate, I ships to help reduce tuition costs, but also degree is practical and enjoyable largely
I had such little prior knowledge of was a know I won’t go unnoticed because of my make an intentional effort to build relation- because of them.
challenge. I quickly realized I had to get unique education, expertise, hands on expe- ships with us CIM students. We are fortunate
comfortable with being uncomfortable and rience, and executive connections I’ve been to have the opportunity to interact with these
soak up as much as I could along the way. able to establish while in school. owners and executives at our networking
I chose SDSU because I knew I would I have been fortunate enough to observe events, conferences, luncheons, and at our
be able to grow there academically as well the diverse aspects of the industry including annual CIM golf tournament. This is where
as socially. Though a bit of a last-minute aggregates, plant operation, quality control, the real connections are made for summer

2024 Youth Skills Training Grant Recipients

Cambridge-Isanti Public School District Perham Schools
https://www.c-ischools.org https://perhamschools.org
Detroit Lakes Public Schools ROCORI School District
https://www.dlschools.net https://www.rocori.k12.mn.us
Fergus Falls High School Staples-Motley School District
https://www.fergusotters.org https://www.isd2170.org

Great River School (St. Paul) Grants can be used to create programs,
https://www.greatriverschool.org recruit students and employers, provide
training, transport students and pay for
Hennepin West Consortium industry-related student certif cations. An
Hermantown Community Schools eighth round of grant applications will open
Seventeen partnerships across Min- ful work experiences in their community,” https://www.hermantown.k12.mn.us in winter 2024.
For more information about Youth Skills
nesota will receive funding to develop and said Nicole Blissenbach, DLI commissioner. Itasca Area Schools Collaborative Training contact Rich Wessels, program
expand programs to offer meaningful career “Thank you to everyone who has supported https://www.iasc.k12.mn.us manager, at 651-284-5184 or rich.wessels@
exposure and paid work experience for stu- this program.” state.mn.us; Jo Daggett, program consultant,
dents 16 years of age and older. YST grants will be awarded to the fol- Minneapolis Public Schools – Camden at 651-284-5354 or jo.daggett@state.mn.us;
The grants are part of the Minnesota lowing 17 partnerships, which will receive High or Faye Blough, program specialist, at
Department of Labor and Industry’s (DLI) and split $1.5 million in funding to be used https://www.mpschools.org 651-284-5341 or faye.blough@state.mn.us;
Youth Skills Training (YST) program that for programs operating from July 1, 2024, Minneapolis Public Schools – Wellstone Learn more online at dli.mn.gov/YST.
was signed into law in 2017 with bipartisan to June 30, 2026. The partnerships will International High School
support to create and provide employment offer safe, meaningful work experience https://wellstone.mpschools.org
training for student learners ages 16 and in advanced manufacturing, agriculture,
older in high-growth, high-demand occupa- automotive, health care and information Moorhead Public Schools
tions. technology. https://www.isd152.org
“These Youth Skills Training partner- Albert Lea Area Schools New Prague Area Schools
ship grants will help high school students https://www.alschools.org https://www.npaschools.org
throughout Minnesota f nd pathways to
high-growth, high-demand occupations and Bemidji Career Academies Parkers Prairie School District
allow them to participate in safe, meaning- https://bemidjicareeracademies.com https://www.isd547.org