BROOKLYN PARK & EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Hennepin Technical College and Hennepin Arts announced a $135,000 equipment donation that will expand hands-on training opportunities for students in the college’s Audio Production program and strengthen connections between education and industry.
Hennepin Arts donated two professional auditorium sound systems from the Pantages Theatre and State Theatre. The systems will be installed in auditoriums on Hennepin Technical College’s Eden Prairie and Brooklyn Park campuses, where they will serve as audio labs for live sound instruction.
“This collaboration demonstrates the impact of strong industry partnerships,” said Alison Forbs, Vice President of Advancement at Hennepin Technical College. “By working together, we are building a talent pipeline and ensuring students graduate with the skills and experience needed to succeed in today’s audio and live production industries.”
The Audio Production program, based at the Eden Prairie campus, prepares students for careers in live sound, recording and audio engineering. The donation provides students access to industry-standard equipment in a performance-based environment and may support future program course expansion to the Brooklyn Park campus.
“Hennepin Arts is proud to partner with Hennepin Technical College to provide this equipment and help foster the next generation of creatives in our community,” said Andrea Mokros, Interim President/CEO at Hennepin Arts. “This work reflects our mission to bring people together through education and meaningful experiences, while creating pathways into the creative workforce and helping shape a vibrant, sustainable arts community for the future.”
“This donation represents a powerful investment in student success and workforce readiness,” said Matt Holmes, Audio Production instructor at Hennepin Technical College. “I see this donation as a huge opportunity for the students to be more prepared for what they’re going to see in industry. This is a chance for Hennepin Tech to close the loop and give students a chance to experience the practical application of their skills.”
Students will build foundational knowledge in the classroom before transitioning into hands-on training in campus auditoriums that simulate real-world production environments.
“It’s great that the sound systems are going to Hennepin Technical College, mainly because they are awesome tools to teach students with,” said Merritt Benton of Hennepin Arts. “We’re hoping that it makes a big impact by showing students what kind of gear goes into running these big venues and giving them a chance to work hands-on with it.”
The partnership reflects the role of industry advisory boards in shaping career and technical education. Hennepin Technical College advisory committees bring together employers, faculty, alumni and students to help align curriculum with workforce needs, including guidance on equipment, internships and program development.
About Hennepin Technical College
Hennepin Technical College is a public two-year college with campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The college offers career and technical education programs designed to prepare students for in-demand careers and connect them with industry opportunities.
About Hennepin Arts
Hennepin Arts is a nonprofit organization that enriches the community through arts education and live performance experiences in downtown Minneapolis.
Media Contacts:
Hennepin Arts
Dale Stark, Director of Marketing and Communications
Dale.Stark@hennepinarts.org
Hennepin Technical College
Jessica Schultz, Media Specialist
Jessica.Schultz@hennepintech.edu
