At New Ulm Public Schools, we believe in preparing students for life beyond graduation — whether that’s college, careers, or community leadership. One of the most exciting areas of growth in our district is Career and Technical Education (CTE). Looking ahead, we’re guided by our proposed district vision — “Inspire, Engage, Innovate. Soar.” — and, with the generosity of local businesses, community partners, and grant support, we’re building something truly special for our students and our community.

Through the efforts of the CTE Campaign and the support of the New Ulm Business Resource and Innovation Center (NUBRIC), we’ve raised over $100,000 to enhance our CTE program. A major part of this funding — $81,000 — provided a new 4×8 CNC Plasma Table for metal fabrication and a 4×8 CNC Router Table for woodworking. These additions bring our classrooms up to industry standards and give students valuable, hands-on experience.

In addition, we received a $33,000 Impact Grant from the South Central Service Cooperative for our Intro to Trades class. This grant will provide models for:

• Central HVAC systems

• Aviation/drone technology

• Electrical systems

These tools give students direct experience with real-world applications and introduce them to career possibilities they might not otherwise explore.

CTE at New Ulm High School focuses on four key areas: Communications Technology, Construction, Manufacturing, and Transportation. By reimagining our Intro to Trades course, we’re giving students the chance to work with tools, technology, and materials used by professionals today. This not only strengthens classroom learning but also prepares students for high-demand fields right here in our community. By bolstering our CTE Pathway courses with industry-standard equipment in manufacturing and construction, we’ll develop a potential workforce, open more doors for students to succeed in future trade schools, and help strengthen overall economic development in the south central region of Minnesota.

All students at New Ulm High School who use our CTE Center have taken our Intro to Trades course, where they explore career opportunities in the skilled trades. As part of this class, students visit local businesses and job sites including Mathiowetz Construction, M.R. Paving, NU Current (Electricians), GAG Sheet Metal, Schwickerts, Klassen Plumbing, Central Lakes College Heavy Equipment Department, South Central College, United Farmers Cooperative-Agronomy Manager, Madsen Land Surveying, and a variety of carpenters depending on the semester and availability.

The class also hosts visiting professionals from M.R. Paving gravel pits and job sites, Construct Tomorrow (Trade Union Career Show), New Ulm Steel & Recycling, South Central College, and various construction and HVAC companies. Through these partnerships, students connect directly with local businesses, gaining exposure to real career paths right here in our region. Alongside these experiences, students create digital portfolios highlighting 14 different trade areas, building a foundation for future education and career opportunities. Growing our Intro to Trades class will benefit our whole CTE program.

We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our community partners, businesses, and individuals whose support made these important upgrades possible. Through their commitment, we raised the funds needed to purchase our new CNC Plasma Table and CNC Router Table — critical tools that deliver hands-on, real-world experiences for students. Contributors to this effort include Mike’s Collision, GSM, Mathiowetz Construction, Riverview Sanitation, New Ulm Area Foundation, New Ulm EDA, A.R.R. Construction, NU Truck & Trailer, Alliance Bank, Citizens Bank, Autofest, G&S Manufacturing, Steve & Debbie Akre, Andy & Anne Biebl, Big Ideas, Inc., NU Bus Lines, and Parker Hannifin. Their investment in our schools is an investment in the future of New Ulm, and we are truly thankful.

As superintendent, I am proud to see our proposed new mission reflected in our work: “Fostering an inclusive, student-centered learning environment where we think critically, strive for excellence, and are deeply invested in our community.” Together with our students, staff, and supporters, we are building a future where opportunity, innovation, and community pride soar.

— Sean Koster is superintendent of New Ulm Public Schools