George W. Neilson Foundation investment and local fundraising support pave the way for new manufacturing equipment, with broader expansion plans already underway.
July 28, 2026 (BEMIDJI, MN) – A partnership among local philanthropy, community donors, and regional businesses has successfully secured funding to modernize Bemidji High School’s Machine Tool Classroom, ensuring students have access to industry-standard equipment that prepares them for high-demand careers in northern Minnesota.
The Bemidji 31 Education Foundation Fund has completed its fundraising goal of $67,945, fulfilling the community match required after the George W. Neilson Foundation awarded $210,000 – 75 percent of the project’s total $277,945 cost – to replace aging manufacturing equipment in the classroom. The successful campaign means the first phase of the project can now move forward, marking a significant investment in technical education and workforce development.
“This achievement demonstrates what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision,” said Tim Knudson, industry partner. “Our students deserve learning environments that reflect today’s manufacturing industry. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, we’re not only replacing outdated equipment – we’re investing in the future workforce of northern Minnesota.”
The project will replace 11 manual lathes that have served students for more than two decades. Purchased between 1999 and 2000, the machines have accumulated well beyond their expected service life, limiting instructional opportunities and creating safety concerns. The modernization effort will provide students with equipment that more closely mirrors what they will encounter in today’s manufacturing workplaces, expanding opportunities for hands-on learning while strengthening technical and career education.
Hundreds of students benefit from Bemidji High School’s Manufacturing and Machining Program each year. Beyond the classroom, the investment supports the broader Bemidji community by preparing graduates for sustaining careers, helping meet regional workforce demands, and preserving the area’s longstanding manufacturing tradition.
The original proposal emphasized that updated equipment will improve student safety, expand access to high-demand technical training, align instruction with current industry standards, and contribute to the region’s long-term economic vitality.
The school’s manufacturing classroom is already being prepared for the new equipment, with outdated machinery removed and renovations underway, including repainting and other facility improvements. Equipment purchases will be coordinated through Bemidji Area Schools, with reimbursement provided through the Bemidji 31 Education Foundation Fund.
“This project is about giving our students the opportunity to learn on the same types of equipment they’ll use after graduation,” said Jason Stanoch, Bemidji High School principal. “These upgrades will strengthen instruction, increase student confidence, and better prepare young learners for careers that are in demand across our region.”
The fundraising effort received generous support from businesses, foundations and community members who recognized the importance of investing in technical education. The Bemidji 31 Education Foundation Fund extends its sincere appreciation to the George W. Neilson Foundation for its transformational investment, along with early supporters including Wells Technologies, TEAM Industries, AirCorps Aviation and local donors who helped complete the first phase of the fundraising goal.
While the first phase is now fully funded, the vision extends well beyond replacing the initial equipment.
The Bemidji 31 Education Foundation Fund has launched a three-year, $450,000 fundraising initiative to complete the full modernization of Bemidji High School’s manufacturing program, ultimately creating a state-of-the-art learning environment valued at approximately $725,000. Future phases will include advanced CNC mills and lathes, followed by professional-grade quality control and metrology equipment, enabling students to gain experience with the technologies used throughout today’s advanced manufacturing industry.
“Our community has already proven what’s possible when people invest in our students,” said Fred Madsen, Bemidji 31 Education Foundation Fund. “This first milestone is worth celebrating, but it’s also the beginning. Together, we can build one of the premier high school manufacturing programs in Minnesota and ensure local students are prepared for careers that will strengthen our region for generations.”
Community members, businesses, and organizations interested in supporting future phases of the manufacturing modernization campaign are encouraged to contact the Bemidji 31 Education Foundation Fund to learn how they can help expand opportunities for the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
About the Bemidji 31 Education Foundation Fund
The Bemidji 31 Education Foundation Fund’s purpose is to enhance the educational opportunities of the students, staff, educational programs, and institutions of Bemidji Area Schools. The Bemidji 31 Education Foundation Fund is a fund in the family of funds at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation which supports the mission of providing classroom resources to local educators. The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a public, charitable foundation serving 2 tribal nations and 12 counties in Northwest Minnesota by investing resources, facilitating collaboration, and promoting philanthropy.
To learn more about the project or make a tax-deductible contribution, please contact Kelly Martinka at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation; kellym@nwmf.org, or visit the website at https://bemidjieducationfoundation.org/.
