Riverland Community College students are getting another scholarship opportunity.

Riverland Community College has partnered with Coldspring to provide scholarship support to Industrial Maintenance and Mechanics (IMMR) students. Coldspring is one of the largest natural stone quarrier and manufacturers in North America serving the architectural, memorial, residential and industrial markets since 1898.

Facing the growing shortage for skilled labor across Minnesota, Coldspring sought out a partnership with a community college program to support students preparing for a career in industrial maintenance and mechanics, according to Scott Piecek, director of human resources.

“We have a need for three to five maintenance mechanics over the next five years and Riverland Community College has one of the best programs within the MnSCU system,” he said in a press release.

Coldspring is pledging two $2,500 scholarships to Riverland’s IMMR students each year for the next three years. It will also open the door for internship opportunities for students at their Coldspring manufacturing plant in Cold Spring, Minnesota, for joint marketing and recruiting efforts that encourages students to enroll in the Riverland IMMR program with the goal to increase the number of graduates available to the industry. Steve Bowron, dean for institutional advancement with Riverland, praised Coldspring for their proactive approach to build ties with the Riverland students.

“There is a high demand for skilled labor like our industrial maintenance and mechanic students and collaborating with companies like Coldspring helps to bring attention to the career pathway, provides financial support and encouragement to the students, and showcases the excellent career opportunities available for individuals looking to improve their lives through education,” Bowron said in the press release.

“Partnerships between companies and educational institutions like this will be the best way to support career and technical education as we move into the future,” Bowron added. “Building of a strong technically skilled workforce will require partnerships to successfully understand and meet the needs of Minnesota’s business and industry. We applaud Coldspring for investing in our students to create a skilled workforce.”