American Crystal Sugar Company is the largest single sugar provider in the United States, supplying almost 15 percent of the country’s sugar. At the same time, 2,800 shareholders grow approximately one-third of the nation’s sugar beet crop. And now, the Crookston Factory will be piloting a job training program that provides a full scholarship to Mesabi Range Community College with a two-year employment agreement.
The Crookston Factory’s HR Generalist, Cory Sandberg, said the scholarship is available for two degrees, which correlate to American Crystal positions. “The scholarship program is going to be for two degrees,” said Sandberg. “Mechanical Technology, which is more on the mechanical side. And Electron Controls, which is on the electrical side. The positions are our House Mechanic position and our Electronic Controls Technician position. We’re looking for students around the area, Crookston, Fisher, Fertile, Climax, Red Lake Falls, that are interested in these two areas and wanting to get a degree. They would go off and get their two-year degree and have a job waiting for them upon completion of their two-year degree.”
Sandberg said American Crystal is looking for students interested in working in Crookston who also want to get a two-year degree from a community college. “It’s called Mesabi Range Community College in Eveleth, MN,” said Sandberg. “We’re looking for somebody that is passionate and likes the field of electronics, an electrician. Or likes mechanics – gears, pumps, belts – working with your hands are good qualities. Somebody that’s motivated wants to live in Crookston and work for a good company that’s going to promote from within. That’s the applicant pool we’re looking for.”
While the final details of the scholarship are still being worked out, Sandberg emphasized it will be a full ride. “It is a full-ride scholarship,” said Sandberg. “The expenses will be paid. There are still a few details we’re working on. The scholarship will be available for whoever we select. We have pretty much everything in place to give money to them toward their books, meal plan, housing. It’s a scholarship that will basically pay for a two-year degree in one of those two degree programs.”
Crookston is the only factory offering the program, which Sandberg hopes is something students will take advantage of. “It’s a great opportunity,” said Sandberg. “Any kids that are looking to stay around the area and have a great career this is a good opportunity to look into or take advantage of. Crookston factory is the only one doing this at the moment. The plan is to maybe go forward with the other factories doing it in the future.”
