Distributor American Solutions For Business (PPAI 101656), headquartered in Glenwood, Minnesota, has donated 50 computer monitors to Minnewaska Area High School (MAHS) to help it complete its new Applied Technology Computer Lab.

This year, MAHS purchased 25 new computers to run a new Solidworks (CAD) program to support student design and graphics for the metals and wood shop areas. This new technology will be available for grades 7-12.

"Our goal is to increase programming and student interest within our Applied Technology Areas," says Cory Larson, principal of MAHS. "This started a few years ago with regular monthly meetings talking about how we can improve our facility and programming to grow programming in our metals and woods (vocational) areas. In addition, we are looking for growing all applied tech areas/electives including medical, agriculture, culinary, woods and more."

This past year, MAHS supported $30,000 worth of facility improvements and another $20,000 to acquire new equipment through a tech levy through the State of Minnesota. An additional $20,000 has been raised thus far from area business and industries to support new and updated equipment.

"We're fortunate to have area communities care about growing these programs and see a benefit to their own organizations as well if we can raise student interest and keep them here following graduation," adds Larson.