[Duluth, Minn. / St. Paul, Minn. / Red Wing, Minn. / Winona, Minn. - February 23, 2024] – Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced the designation of 32 Centers of Excellence (CoE) for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. The Minnesota State Domestic Maritime Workforce Consortium (MSDMWC), a collaborative effort between Lake Superior College, Saint Paul College, and Minnesota State College Southeast, is a 2024 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE) designee.
The designated COEs consist of 50 maritime training locations across 17 states and Guam. The Maritime Administration (MARAD) developed the CoE Program to support maritime workforce training and education at designated CoEs, including efforts of the designees to admit additional students, recruit and train faculty, expand facilities, create new maritime pathways, and award students credit for prior experience, including military service.
“Our country depends on a highly skilled mariner workforce to strengthen both our economy and our national security,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The 32 Centers of Excellence we’re designating today will promote training opportunities outside of traditional four-year degree programs and will bring more Americans into these great maritime careers.”
"Lake Superior College is very pleased for this opportunity to contribute to the training and education of maritime workers,” said Lake Superior College president Dr. Patricia Rogers. “Shipping on the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River remains a key ingredient to the state’s economy and prosperity of individuals working on the ports and harbors.”
"Securing a place among the 32 CoE designees nationwide, MSDMWC signifies a powerhouse partnership, offering comprehensive maritime training opportunities across Minnesota,” said Saint Paul College president Dr. Deidra Peaslee. “The collaborative efforts of Lake Superior College, Saint Paul College, and Minnesota State College Southeast and our Port Authority partners will provide greater recognition and support for the many opportunities provided by the maritime industry.”
"Designation as a Center of Excellence will help us leverage our collective strengths and resources to meet the demanding workforce needs of the maritime ports in Minnesota,” said Dr. Marsha Danielson, president of Minnesota State College Southeast. "We look forward to working together in partnership with our local Port Authorities to advance maritime workforce training and education to further strengthen the Minnesota economy.”
This prestigious designation, bestowed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), recognizes MSDMWC's outstanding commitment to advancing maritime education and training. The consortium's innovative approach to workforce development aligns with the goals of the CoE program, contributing to the enhancement of the nation's maritime workforce.
For more information on the Centers of Excellence program and MSDMWC's designation, please visit the Centers of Excellence.
