Exodus Global Partnership Helps Students Build Skilled Careers While Strengthening the Regional Workforce
For two Northwood Technical College graduates, an investment in their education became a direct path to careers in the skilled trades.
Exodus Global has sponsored two Northwood Tech students through the College’s Sponsor-a-Scholar program, one in welding and one in machine tool technician. Both completed their programs and now work full time for the Superior-based manufacturer in their respective fields.
Sponsor-a-Scholar is designed to connect employers with students while helping recruit, educate and graduate students in fields experiencing workforce shortages. The program gives students an opportunity for a debt-free path toward their academic and career goals while helping employers develop motivated, highly trained workers.
For Exodus Global, the program created an opportunity to invest in students and help prepare them for careers in manufacturing.
“At Exodus Global, we believe in investing in our community while also building a strong workforce for the future. Like many manufacturers, we have faced challenges filling skilled production positions. Our Premier Employer Committee explored creative ways to attract and develop talent, which led us to consider establishing a scholarship program,” said Tonya Land, director of corporate communications at Exodus Global.
Sponsor-a-Scholar gave Exodus Global an existing pathway to connect with Northwood Tech students preparing for careers in high-demand fields. Through research and conversations with Kim Pearson, vice president of advancement, marketing and engagement at Northwood Tech, the company identified the program as a way to support students pursuing skilled trades while also addressing its need for qualified employees.
Under the Sponsor-a-Scholar program, participating businesses contribute at least $2,500 to the Northwood Technical College Foundation and select one or more students to sponsor from a pool of screened applicants. Sponsors agree to hire the students they select upon graduation and may provide up to $10,000 toward tuition, books and supplies. Sponsored students are expected to meet academic and participation requirements and commit to working for their sponsoring business for one or two years immediately following graduation, depending on the length of their academic program.
Exodus Global’s agreement with Northwood Tech outlines its specific investment in the program. For a student in a two-year program, the company agreed to contribute $2,500 to the Northwood Tech Foundation’s general scholarship fund and provide $10,000 in tuition assistance. The agreement also calls for Exodus Global to make a reasonable effort to provide a paid summer internship between the student’s first and second years.
That relationship between student and employer can begin before graduation. Exodus Global said its sponsored students have the opportunity to intern with the company while attending Northwood Tech, giving them hands-on experience and an early connection to a potential employer. After successfully completing their programs, sponsored students are considered for full-time employment opportunities with the company.
For Exodus Global’s two sponsored students, that pathway resulted in full-time careers. Both graduates are now working in their respective fields at the company, providing a real-world example of how Sponsor-a-Scholar can connect technical education with employment.
Exodus Global also sees value in building those relationships before students complete their programs. Internships, hands-on experience and mentorship can help students better understand the workplace while giving employers an opportunity to support their professional development.
“At Exodus Global, we are committed to helping students succeed, whether through internships, hands-on experience, mentorship, or full-time career opportunities after graduation,” said Kevin Boreen, CEO of Exodus Global.
For students interested in manufacturing or the skilled trades, that combination of education and early career experience can provide a strong foundation for entering the workforce.
The impact can extend beyond an individual student or employer. By helping students access technical education and career opportunities, Sponsor-a-Scholar can strengthen the skilled workforce in Superior and the surrounding region while giving students opportunities to build careers close to home.
Businesses interested in investing in students while developing their future workforce can learn more about becoming a Sponsor-a-Scholar employer by contacting the Northwood Technical College Foundation at Foundation@NorthwoodTech.edu.
Mandy Dietrich is PR/Communication Specialist at Northwood Technical College
