Founded in 1910, Saint Paul College (SPC) is a community and technical college located in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. Saint Paul College has a rich tradition of educational excellence, diversity, and partnerships. It has grown to become a respected, innovative, and comprehensive community and technical college serving 10,000 students each year.
Saint Paul College offers customized workforce training to businesses, corporations, and nonprofit organizations in all major sectors. With more than 500 industry partners, SPC provides invaluable opportunities for learning in the classroom and countless real-world settings.
“Our urban location is woven into the fiber of our institution,” said Saint Paul College President Deidra Peaslee, EdD. “Saint Paul College’s vision is to advance racial equity, enrich community vibrancy, and inspire students to reach their full potential. Joining CUMU will help us leverage campus resources to benefit our community and adapt to the unique challenges and opportunities that an urban college faces.”
In November 2022, Saint Paul Public Schools opened a new learning space on the Saint Paul College campus which features new classrooms and an outdoor courtyard where students can pursue college courses, industry certifications, and internships. This program will give students from area high schools equitable access to college courses offered by faculty from numerous post-secondary institutions, including Saint Paul College.
Saint Paul College offers community-based learning, allowing students to gain educational experiences that allow them to actively engage in organized activities through courses that connect them directly with the community around them. Students gain relevant experience and professional skills for future employment, network with community partners and build relationships with potential employers. The Minnesota Polytechnic and Applied Learning Institute (MinnPoly), the first and only polytechnic institute in the state of Minnesota, recently launched a program headquartered at Saint Paul College. The new partnership includes a newly renovated learning laboratory for Minnesota State Mankato’s Twin Cities Engineering program, in which students are able to complete a four-year degree exclusively on the Saint Paul College campus.
In spring 2022, Saint Paul College updated its mission, vision, and value statements that centers SPC’s commitment to racial equity, community vibrancy, and economic vitality and to create a clear and intentional guide for its future. And, through the Stronger Future 2025 strategic plan, SPC seeks to develop as an anti-racist, trauma-informed college; cultivate a student-centered learning environment; strengthen organizational culture; and build, enhance, and sustain relationships with community partners.
Saint Paul College is providing talent and workforce that businesses need to succeed and prosper. And, it’s making an impact in the Minnesota economy. SPC generates $279.1 in economic impact per year and supports 2,086 jobs. Additionally, an estimated $2.0M in charitable donations and volunteer services are generated annually by Saint Paul College faculty, staff, and students.
Join us in welcoming Saint Paul College to the CUMU membership!