Why is CLC important?

To promote awareness about the value of a college education – especially that offered by Central Lakes College in Brainerd and Staples – students have produced a two-minute YouTube video asking “Why is Central Lakes College important to you?”
The video message offers fast-paced, short statements concluding with the CLC mission statement: We build futures.
About 20 students weigh in with videotaped comments on the value of their educational experience at the community and technical college, recently named one of the 120 best in the nation by the Aspen Institute. CLC’s enrollment has gone from 3,953 to 6,062 in five years.
The responses include
• CLC’s tuition and fees are a fraction of the cost compared to many other quality institutions
• CLC and the state have higher educational standards than some other schools and states
• If qualified, high school students can jump-start their college education through enrollment options
• Lots of support from campus services such as the Veterans Resource Center
• Close to home
“It is the collective effort by faculty, administration, and staff that gives us the tools to help us on our way,” stated Steve Sabin and Toy Ross-McRae, respective presidents of the Brainerd and Staples student senates.
Student senators at CLC have joined college student advocates from across the state urging state lawmakers and Gov. Dayton to reach an agreement on higher education funding that considers students first.
The video was sent to the offices of several legislators who will vote on higher education funding. Their replies showed appreciation for and awareness of education as part of the economic recovery.
Some, such as Rep. John Ward and Sen. Paul Gazelka, pointed out they are parents of successful CLC graduates for whom the experience was essential en route to employment.
Supportive lawmakers note that higher earnings of CLC students and associated increases in state income expand the tax base in Minnesota by about $16.5 million each year.
The video can be viewed at http://youtu.be/4xyvM7DI3Iw?hd=1