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Careers Spotlight: Century College

3/28/2023

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MICC's Careers Program​ offers a range of certificates in high-demand industries, including retail/hospitality, culinary, and health services.

Second-year College Program participants benefit from a collection of courses designed to increase their skills and knowledge, all while gaining practical experience through unique local practicum sites. Under the guidance of Careers instructors, participants are encouraged to choose a certificate that aligns with their strengths and interests.
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In the Certificate Exploration class, first-year participants are given a chance to explore each certificate in depth. With the help of guest speakers, presentations, and projects based on each industry, participants can make informed choices about which program to pursue. Self-assessments help them identify their strengths and abilities, which they can then use to help choose their designation.
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Once they have made their choice, participants undergo interviews with instructors to further determine their relevance to the program, assess their experience, and help them set future employment goals. This individualized approach helps ensure that each participant is placed in a program that is right for them.
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Certificates are accredited by Century College, providing participants with a recognized certification that can help them stand out in the job market. The offered certificates are based on real job vacancies, demand, and outlook. According to the most recent labor statistics from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (MN DEED), Retail Salespersons, Fast Food and Counter Workers, Home Health and Personal Care Aides, Cashiers, and Customer Service Representatives are all in the top 10 highest-in-demand jobs in the Twin Cities metro area.

Participants who complete the program are better prepared to enter the job market, with many of the roles showing significant projected job growth rates. For example, Restaurant Cooks are projected to grow at a rate of 45.9%, while Home Health and Personal Care Aides are projected to grow at a rate of 24.1%.

As we work towards a world where autistic people thrive and are valued, it's essential to recognize the unique talents and abilities of autistic individuals. By providing opportunities for education and training, we can help build a skilled workforce that is better equipped to succeed in a variety of industries. The MICC Careers Program is proud to be a part of this effort, offering our participants the chance to gain real-world experience and prepare for fulfilling careers.

MICC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent young adults. Since its founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to supporting participants in successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC participants achieve sustained, independent living; rewarding employment; financial security; personal growth; and responsible citizenship. We champion all participants, carry their successes into the world, and collaborate with others in service of our vision.
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MICC Named Nonprofit of the Year by Richfield Chamber of Commerce

3/21/2023

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Richfield, Minnesota - Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC) has been named Nonprofit of the Year by the Richfield Chamber of Commerce at the annual Circle of Excellence awards ceremony on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. The award recognizes MICC's outstanding contributions to the Richfield community through its life skills and vocational programs for autistic and neurodivergent adults.
 
The event was sponsored by Friendship Village of Bloomington, Northwoods Promotions West, Aviator Studios, and Blue Hippo Bakery. In attendance from MICC included Amy Gudmestad, Executive Director, Anna Hilfers, Director of College Program, Aaron Carper, Director of Community Program, Anna Schenck, Careers Program Job Developer,  Amanda DeJong, Marketing Manager, and Grant S., MICC Student Ambassador.
 
The award ceremony began with an introduction by Kelsey Nagel, President of the Richfield Chamber, and the previous year's winner presented each award to this year’s recipients. The winners for each category were as follows:
Nonprofit of the Year: Minnesota Independence College and Community
2021 winner: Youable Emotional Health (formerly Headway Emotional Health)
 
Government Service Award: Richfield Liquor
2021 winner: Visit Richfield
 
Community Service Award: Richfield Leadership Network
2021 winner: My Credit Union
 
Small Business of the Year: Pizza Luce – Richfield
2021 winner: Lighten Up, LLC

Business of the Year: Friendship Village of Bloomington
2021 winner: Richfield-Bloomington Honda

Larry Farrington Business Leader of the Year: Cassie Senetra of State Farm
2021 winner: Dave & Lisa Hintermeister of Mortgage Consultant Team
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Amy Gudmestad, MICC Executive Director
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Richfield Chamber Circle of Excellence Award Recipients
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Grant S., MICC Student Ambassador, representing MICC participants at the ceremony.
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Amy Gudmestad accepts Richfield Chamber Circle of Excellence Nonprofit of the Year award
“[MICC] is a very impressive program,” said Pat Dale of Headways Emotional Health as he introduced MICC’s Executive Director, Amy Gudmestad to accept the award for nonprofit of the year.
 
MICC was chosen for the Richfield Chamber of Commerce award due to its impressive staying power and substantiated history as an established nonprofit organization in the Richfield community. MICC has provided person-centered education and training for adults for over 25 years. In addition, the organization has experienced significant growth in the number of participants it serves and has increased its impact on the community through innovative programs and partnerships.

Since its inception, more than 250 adults have completed MICC’s skills programming. Today, more than 100 graduates are employed and still reside independently in the Richfield area. MICC's vocational skills training programs, certified by Century College and accredited by CARF International, prepare people for careers in the health services, retail, culinary, and hospitality industries.
 
"We are honored to receive this recognition from the Richfield Chamber of Commerce," said Gudmestad. "Our dedicated team of instructors and professionals work passionately to empower participants to create the life they want with independence, meaningful careers, and relationships. This award is a testament to their hard work and dedication. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to find purpose and belonging in a supportive community."
 
In 2015, MICC was previously inducted into the Richfield Small Business Hall of Fame and was first named a Minnesota Top Workplace by the Star Tribune.

MICC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent young adults. Since its founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to supporting participants in successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC participants achieve sustained, independent living; rewarding employment; financial security; personal growth; and responsible citizenship. We champion all participants, carry their successes into the world, and collaborate with others in service of our vision.

Media inquiries can be directed to: marketing@miccommunity.org
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Participant of the Month - Jordan

3/15/2023

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PictureJordan graduated from MICC's former Undergraduate Program in 2010 and is a current Community Program participant.
It's time to break out the confetti and cheer because we are celebrating the March Participant of the Month, Jordan!

Participant of the Month is awarded by nominations from both peers and staff for individuals who have clearly demonstrated one or more of our three R’s: responsibility, resilience, and respect. Jordan has been recognized by both his peers and staff for his outstanding demonstration of responsibility, resilience, and respect at MICC.

Jordan's helpfulness towards staff has not gone unnoticed, with one staff member praising him for always being ready to lend a hand and lead activities in the Social Program. And it's not just staff that appreciate Jordan's company; his peers have praised him for always having a smile on his face and taking the time to catch up with everyone.

When asked why he thinks he was chosen as the Participant of the Month, Jordan modestly replied, "I'm just an all-around great person and I'm always ready to help with activities." And boy, is he ever! Jordan is a proud member of the MICC Rockband and loves to belt out tunes every day. He's also a self-proclaimed Jeopardy fanatic

Jordan has been a participant in MICC's Community Program and is a graduate of the MICC College Program class of 2010 (formerly MLC's Undergraduate Program). When asked about his favorite memory at MICC, Jordan lit up as he reminisced about the senior winter men's retreat, where they had breakfast burritos, went sledding, and spent time with Uncle Rich.

Congratulations, Jordan!


Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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7501 LOGAN AVE S.  STE 2A   RICHFIELD, MN 55423 
PHONE (612) 869-4008 | FAX (612) 869-0443 | EIN 41-1814112

Effective, August 1, 2018, Minnesota Life College changed its name to MICC., pronounced ‘em’ ‘eye’ ‘see’ ‘see’.
​MICC stands for Minnesota Independence College and Community.


At MICC, the values of diversity, equity and inclusion are essential elements of our vibrant learning community. It is vital that everyone receives the tools to succeed and thrive regardless of neurodiversity, race, ethnicity, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status or any other identity. We are committed to embracing diverse perspectives and creating a supportive environment for all to discuss, challenge, and explore how we can continuously enrich the MICC community.