As Summit Academy OIC begins a new fiscal year, we’re reflecting on a year of growth, achievement, and opportunity.
This past year was a record-breaking one for Summit. More students than ever enrolled in our trainings, and more graduates moved directly into family-sustaining employment. Behind every number is a person who made the decision to invest in their future, and a community that helped make that decision possible.
For Rita, a career in carpentry had been a dream for decades. After navigating significant hurdles and waiting for the right moment, she decided it was time to make that dream a reality.
“I've wanted to do carpentry for a very, very long time,” Rita recalled. “This is a dream come true.”
A graduate of Summit’s Carpentry program, Rita is now taking her first steps toward a career in residential construction. Her training included hands-on experience at the Steger Center in Ely, Minnesota, where she discovered a particular interest in interior work and finishing.
For Rita, graduating from Summit represents finally pursuing a dream, and proving to herself that it’s never too late to build something new.
“I’m really proud of myself and so thankful to Summit,” she said.
This summer, community members got a firsthand look at Summit’s hands-on training during our Electric Pathways Block Party. Students, instructors, partners, supporters, and community members gathered on campus for live demonstrations and a closer look at how Summit prepares students for careers in high-demand industries.
We also launched our first Financial Literacy Week, giving students practical tools to support their futures beyond the workplace. Students explored saving and budgeting, credit and debt management, retirement and workplace benefits, and the homebuying process.
Together, these experiences demonstrate how Summit prepares students not only for their next job, but for the stability and opportunity that come after it.
For Andy Huber, a Financial Center Manager at Bank of America, volunteering with Summit is about giving students something he wishes he had more of when he was younger: guidance and encouragement.
Andy first connected with Summit through Bank of America by participating in mock interviews. Since then, he has returned to campus to lead Better Money Habits presentations, participate in mock interviews, and connect with Financial Services and GED students.
“I think what stands out is how engaged Summit students are when I come in and talk,” Andy said. “They’re very willing to speak up about their experience. They’re very willing to ask questions and learn more and dig into things.”
Andy’s commitment is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful way to support students is simply to show up with your time, experience, and encouragement.
“If I can teach someone or if I can help someone in a way that no one could help me or the people I was close to when I was younger, that makes me feel better,” he said. “Maybe when I do these presentations, it can help [students] on their path to finding something different and finding something a little bit better.”
We’re grateful to Andy and Bank of America for continuing to invest in Summit students and help them see what’s possible.
This past June, Summit supporters and partners came together for the 23rd Annual Golf Classic & Summer Party, celebrating another year of student achievement and investing in the work ahead.
The event brought together students, alumni, corporate partners, donors, board members, and friends of Summit around one shared belief: everyone deserves access to the opportunity to build a better future.
We’re especially grateful to our sponsors and everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, or helped make the event possible. Your support helps make Summit’s tuition-free training possible and creates opportunities for students to succeed.
A record-breaking year is something to celebrate. But for Summit, it’s also a starting point.
As we work toward serving 4,000 students over the next three years, we know that growth will require all of us to continue investing in what’s possible:
Thank you for being part of Summit’s story, and for helping us build what comes next.
