Building a Stronger Future, Together: 2025 Impact at Summit Academy OIC

January 8, 2026
Unlicensed Dental Assistant students learning hands-on in exam room at Summit
Removal of iron gate during the 2025 renovation project at Summit Academy

The best social service program in the world is a job.

2025 marked a pivotal year for Summit Academy OIC. It was defined by growth, innovation, and renewed momentum. The completion of our campus renovation and the expansion of training opportunities reflect more than physical change; they signal what is possible when individuals are connected to education, employers, and the support needed to succeed.

As workforce needs continue to evolve, Summit remains focused on preparing individuals for career-advancing, family-sustaining roles that strengthen both lives and communities. This year’s impact highlights the power of accelerated training, employer partnership, and a shared belief that opportunity should be accessible to all.


A Year of Growth and Momentum

Dental students learning in exam room at Summit

This fall, Summit celebrated the largest enrollment in our history. More individuals are walking through our doors, eager to build skills, gain confidence, and pursue family-sustaining careers. Our campus renovation stands as a visible symbol of this momentum, expanding the space where learning, support, and opportunity come together.

Innovation also defined the year. The launch of our Unlicensed Dental Assistant training marked Summit’s expansion into healthcare—addressing critical workforce needs while opening new pathways to economic mobility. Together with deepening employer partnerships across industries, Summit continues to stand out as a regional leader in accelerated career training and workforce development.

Looking ahead, Summit’s vision is bold: to place 1,000 individuals into career-advancing, family-sustaining roles within the next three years. Every student represents untapped potential ready to shape the future of our workforce and economy.


Training Pathways That Lead to Prosperity

Summit’s programs are designed to bridge education and employment, preparing students for real-world careers through hands-on training and employer-aligned curriculum.

  • Carpentry & Electrician Training: Students gain technical skills, industry knowledge, and confidence to succeed in high-demand construction careers.
  • Medical Administrative Assistant & Unlicensed Dental Assistant Training: These programs prepare students for essential healthcare roles through training in compliance, communication, and clinical operations.
  • Financial Services Training: Students build skills in banking, mortgage servicing, insurance, and securities—opening doors to careers in a field many never considered possible.
  • IT Specialist Training: Graduates develop hardware, software, and cybersecurity competencies that support long-term growth in the technology sector.
  • GED Program: Summit’s intensive GED program creates an on-ramp to career training, with many graduates continuing directly into Summit’s 20-week programs.

Lives Changed, Careers Launched

At the center of Summit’s impact are the individuals who begin their journey toward a better future. Each story reflects the transformation that takes place within Summit’s walls each day.

Summit alumni, Edina, working at Knutson Construction

Edina: Building Stability Through the Trades

Before entering the construction industry, Edina felt stuck in jobs with little room to grow. Through Summit Academy OIC’s carpentry training, she gained hands-on skills, confidence, and ongoing support that led to a union laborer role with Knutson Construction. Nearly 12 years later, Edina continues to build a stable career and encourages others to explore opportunities in the trades.

Gideon: Confidence That Sparked Transformation

After years of hesitation, Gideon enrolled in Summit’s Electrician training and found an experience that transformed both his career path and his confidence. With hands-on instruction and strong instructor support, he launched his career as an electrician with Wolf River Electric, entering the field prepared and motivated to succeed.

Summit has provided every resource necessary for you to succeed. I feel like it has changed my outlook on life and also helps me pursue the personal goals that I have.–Gideon

Medical Administrative Assistant graduate, Dalana

Dalana: A Pathway Into Healthcare

Ready for a change from fast-food work, Dalana enrolled in Summit’s Medical Administrative Assistant training to pursue a career in healthcare. With classroom instruction, workforce readiness support, and access to professional clothing through the Student Support Fund, she secured a position with University of Minnesota Physicians before graduating.

Mataly, Summit Financial Services graduate, speaking at graduation

Mataly: Discovering Opportunity in Financial Services

Feeling stuck in retail and uncertain about the future, Mataly took a chance on Summit’s Financial Services training. With encouragement, real-world skill-building, and support to pass the SIE exam, he transitioned from an internship at Ameriprise Financial into a full-time role—opening doors to long-term career growth.

I needed to go back to school... so I decided to take a chance on Summit Academy. Lives are changed every day at Summit, and my time here was well invested.–Mataly

Summit alum, Hristo, working at Atomic Date

Hristo: Turning Passion Into a Career in IT

After a layoff from the hospitality industry, Hristo enrolled in Summit’s IT Specialist training to pursue a longtime passion. Through Summit’s partnership with Atomic Data, he launched his IT career and continued advancing into network and security operations, turning interest into lasting opportunity.

Nicholas celebrating and smiling at the end of Summit's commencement ceremony

Nicholas: From GED Student to IT Graduate

Once unsure he could succeed academically, Nicholas earned his GED through Summit and quickly returned to enroll in the IT training. Graduating at the top of his class, he now works at Shutterfly and plans to continue his education in computer science—carrying forward the confidence Summit helped him build.

Summit taught me how to advocate for myself and have a voice. I feel more confident and more educated about what I'm doing.–Nicholas

Together, these stories reflect Summit’s mission in action: connecting individuals to skills, support, and careers that lead to lasting economic mobility.


Employers as Partners in Impact

Summit’s success is built alongside employers who help shape curriculum, provide internships, and hire graduates ready to contribute from day one. Partners across construction, healthcare, financial services, and technology consistently share that Summit graduates stand out for their work ethic, preparation, and motivation—strengthening teams while building a more inclusive workforce.

We consider Summit a trusted partner and always prioritize interviewing their graduates, because we know their training produces professionals ready to learn, grow, and contribute immediately. Their growth has been remarkable; we currently employ 12 Summit alumni, and every one of them has advanced beyond their original position. Four now serve in leadership roles, a testament to their capability and skillset.–Chris Heim, CEO, Atomic Data

Removing Barriers to Success

Summit’s success is built alongside employers who help shape curriculum, provide internships, and hire graduates ready to contribute from day one. Partners across construction, healthcare, financial services, and technology consistently share that Summit graduates stand out for their work ethic, preparation, and motivation—strengthening teams while building a more inclusive workforce.


Impact By the Numbers

 

Fiscal year 2025 impact infographic

 


Building What Comes Next—Together

Every milestone reached in 2025 was made possible by the collective support of donors, employer partners, and community champions. Together, we are not only changing individual lives, but we are also building an economy where opportunity is accessible and prosperity is shared.


Read the full 2025 Annual Impact Report to explore detailed outcomes, additional stories, and the data behind this year of impact.