Bemidji State / Polaris Offers Mn High School Grads Opportunity to Learn and Ea...

BEMIDJI, MN (July 13, 2024) -- Minnesota high school graduates with a passion for powersports can accelerate their college journey through an educational partnership created by Bemidji State University (BSU) and global powersports leader Polaris.

The Polaris Manufacturing Operations Development Program offers Minnesota grads a unique opportunity to simultaneously develop skills and experience, and pursue a lifelong education, while earning a living. This 19-month paid internship located at the Polaris manufacturing facility in Roseau, Minnesota, covers tuition, fees, and housing for 15 interns.

"We know that workforce demands are changing. This is a great example of how BSU is responding-changing what we do so that high school graduates who want or need to go directly into the workforce can still achieve their college dreams," BSU President John L. Hoffman said. "Polaris has an unmatched ability to provide technical and manufacturing experience in the powersports industry, and Bemidji State University will provide the advanced education that enables Polaris to take its workforce to the next level. Students get to develop technical skills and pursue an education that will grow in value over a lifetime while also earning a living. It's an amazing opportunity."

Applications are now accepted. The students selected will begin their practical training at the Polaris Roseau facility on August 19, and online classes through BSU will begin on August 26. To apply, visit: https://www.polaris.com/en-us/careers/.

Preparing for the future, today

Students participating in the two-year program will earn 30 college credits and a Certificate of Operations Development. The credits may be used for future educational pursuits, including a bachelor's degree at BSU.

The curriculum combines real-world experience with 10 college-level courses over five semesters. Each day, interns will work in the facility until mid-afternoon followed by online classes at Bemidji State.

What's more, students who successfully complete the program will have an opportunity to continue their employment with Polaris, including an additional $5,000 per year to continue their education.

Partners with a plan

Representatives from BSU and Polaris on July 9 held a signing ceremony at the Polaris Roseau plant to kick off the program.

"Partnering with Bemidji State University creates a next-level opportunity for students to immerse themselves in challenging assignments through course work and hands-on experience," said Anthony Lindgren, manager, Polaris Roseau. "Polaris is always looking for unique opportunities to attract and retain smart, motivated people who share our passion for the powersports industry."

Dr. Allen Bedford, provost and vice president for academic affairs at BSU, said the partnership demonstrates Bemidji State's commitment to serving industry needs in northern Minnesota.

"Our biggest challenge is to find ways to serve a region that's roughly 200 miles north to south and 300 miles east to west. We can't do that without partnerships," Bedford said. "Bemidji State University must be part of the solution in how we uplift communities together. Polaris is invested in the health of this region, and BSU is as well. These partnerships are an important part of how we serve the public."

He added that students will be the biggest beneficiaries from the new partnership.

"They will have a very tangible, relevant educational experience here," he said. "They can improve the lives of their community members, of their teammates here on the floor, and of themselves and their own families."

Additional Information

For additional information about the Polaris Manufacturing Operations Development Program, contact Dan Voss, transfer partnership coordinator at Bemidji State University, at [email protected].

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