Multiple Pathways to the American Dream
Making College Affordable and Expanding Career‑Ready Education in Minnesota
The American Dream is Not as cut-and-dry as it was once perceived to be.
Most Minnesotans achieve the American Dream through meaningful work, so we need many affordable, practical pathways that prepare young people for high-skill, high-demand jobs—whether or not they choose a traditional four‑year college or choose a vocational training path.
Making College More Affordable
For many students, the biggest barrier to college is cost, which has grown much faster than inflation and caused families to question whether the investment still makes sense. We should expand options that lower the total price tag, including community and technical colleges, public universities, and programs that let students earn credits while still in high school.
Minnesota’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit at the same time, significantly cutting the number of credits they need to pay for later. Increasing the use of high‑quality online courses—especially for large, lecture‑style classes—can also reduce costs and give students more flexibility without replacing the in‑person experiences that matter most.
Smarter Use of Online Learning
Today, nearly any introductory class can be taken online, often using the same materials and lectures as in‑person versions. I support a balanced approach: keep the campus experience strong, but move appropriate courses online so students can learn on their own schedule and avoid transportation and housing costs tied to being physically on campus for every class.
Real, lasting cost reductions in higher education will require this kind of structural change, not just shifting the bill from one group of taxpayers to another. At the same time, we must ensure that administrative spending does not grow faster than investments in teaching, advising, and student support.
Pathways Beyond Four‑Year College
College is a great fit for some, but it should never be the only respected path to a good life. I strongly support high‑school programs that expose students to real careers, real mentors, and real work long before graduation.
Prior Lake High School’s MNCAPS (Minnesota Center for Advanced Professional Studies) is a nationally recognized, profession‑based immersion program where juniors and seniors earn high school and college credits while working on real‑world projects in fields like business, education, healthcare, and trades. Students are mentored by local employers and community professionals, giving them a head start on high‑skill, high‑demand careers.
Local Models That Work
The Academies of Shakopee organize students into small learning communities tied to career interests—such as health science, STEM, business and entrepreneurship, arts and communication, and design and construction. With support from more than 80 business and community partners, students gain hands‑on experience, internships, mentorships, and other authentic learning opportunities every year.
Programs like MNCAPS and the Academies of Shakopee prove that when schools, employers, and communities work together, students can explore different paths, build real skills, and leave high school ready for either college or a career. I want to expand and replicate these successful models across Minnesota so every student—not just those in a few districts—has access to this kind of learning.
Mentoring That Changes Lives
During my years in corporate America, I founded and led a structured mentoring program that paired each business professional with a single high‑school student, often for the duration of that student’s high‑school career. The program included regular meetings, goal‑setting, and shared projects, and we tracked outcomes across multiple metrics to make sure it was truly helping students.
The impact was clear: students gained confidence, clarity about their futures, and stronger academic and career results, while mentors found renewed purpose in giving back.
I want to bring this kind of one‑to‑one mentoring to more Minnesota schools, especially in communities that don’t yet have strong business‑education partnerships.
My Commitment
I am committed to:
Making college more affordable and flexible through PSEO, AP, community colleges, and smart use of online learning.
Expanding profession‑based high‑school programs like MNCAPS and the Academies of Shakopee statewide.
Growing structured mentoring programs that connect students with caring adults in the workforce.
If you share this vision of multiple, affordable, real‑world pathways to the American Dream, I invite you to lend your support, your voice, and—if you are able—your expertise as a future mentor or partner.
