FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2026 – Educators from across Minnesota stepped outside the classroom and into the workplace this summer through the Minnesota State Centers of Excellence Educator Externship Program, gaining firsthand industry experience they can bring back to their students.
This summer, 15 secondary and postsecondary educators completed 40-hour externships with industry partners representing a variety of career fields. Working alongside industry professionals gave educators an opportunity to see current technologies, workplace practices, career pathways, and workforce needs in action.
Bringing Industry Experience Back to the Classroom
The externship program is designed to strengthen the connection between education and industry. During their experience, educators observed day-to-day operations, worked with industry professionals, explored emerging technologies and learned more about the technical and employability skills employers are seeking.
Just as importantly, the experience does not end when the externship is over. Each educator will use what they learned to develop or enhance classroom lessons and activities that can be shared with other educators, extending the impact of the program to students and classrooms across Minnesota.
By experiencing the workplace firsthand, educators are better equipped to connect classroom learning to real-world applications, introduce students to career opportunities they may not have considered, and help students understand how the skills they are learning today are used in the workplace.
The program also creates opportunities for lasting partnerships between educators and employers. These relationships can lead to classroom speakers, industry tours, work-based learning opportunities, curriculum connections and other collaborations that help students better understand the range of careers available in Minnesota.
Ultimately, the Educator Externship Program helps educators answer a question students frequently ask:
“When will I ever use this?”
Through firsthand industry experience, educators return to their classrooms with real examples, new ideas and stronger connections to the people and industries that will employ their students in the future.
About the Minnesota State Centers of Excellence
The Minnesota State Centers of Excellence bring together education, industry and community partners to strengthen Minnesota’s workforce. Through educator professional development, industry partnerships, career exploration and hands-on learning opportunities, the Centers work to connect students and educators with high-demand careers and the education and skills needed to succeed.
The Educator Externship Program is one example of how the Centers are engaging industry, enhancing education and inspiring students while building stronger connections between Minnesota’s classrooms and workplaces.
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