Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Members of the New Ulm Economic Development Corporation (NUEDC) gave $750,000 to remodel the new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center. District 88 School Superintendent Jeff Bertrang accepted the money from NUEDC members Shannon Hillesheim, Jeff Dittrich, Julie Baumgartner and Randy Schroeder Wednesday in front of the new CTE Center at 208 N. Valley St.

NEW ULM — The new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center received a $750,000 donation from New Ulm Economic Development Corporation, Wednesday.

District 88 Superintendent Jeff Bertrang said the money will be used to cover the interior remodeling of the property at 208 N. Valley St. and 125 N. 3rd St. These buildings were formerly part of the Windings complex and need to be remodeled to house CTE classes. The remodeling is currently underway.

Bertrang said the school is excited and grateful for the donation.

NUEDC has been working with the school district through the New Ulm Partnership. This center has been a top priority of the partnership. Workforce development has been a front and center concern in New Ulm for several years, and NUEDC was able to assist with establishing the CTE Center. NUEDC believes the center will assist with establishing a strong workforce in New Ulm and keep students in the community.

The CTE Center will provide education in the areas of manufacturing, machining, construction, automotive repair, small gas engines and autobody repair. Construction education would include training for plumbing, electricians and carpentry work. The center will provide hands-on learning and provide opportunities for adults who may be considering a career change.

Bertrang said classes will begin at the CTE Center in late August. Many students have already signed up for classes. The center will be available for high school students throughout the region as well as adults.

Bertrang said the first semester’s class offering will start small but will expand in additional years. For this first semester, the center will have classes for welding, small gas engines, carpentry and machine milling with other programs to follow. New Ulm High School’s Eagle Enterprise will also be relocated to the CTE Center this year.