APG Specialty Publications 00_IRON_MINING_ASSN_20_BOOK | Page 22

IMA COMMITTEES' YEAR-IN-REVIEW The academy model has been successful in Alexandria, MN, and still focuses on core subjects but is more hands-on and career minded. This particular academy would be slightly different from Alexandria’s because of the different needs in this region; it will be divided into three factors: engineering/ natural resources, health & sciences, and business & arts. Local business involvement is key for this project’s success, and we encourage IMA members to get involved with the various planning committees that have been formed. Looking ahead to 2020, the IMA Workforce & Education Committee hopes to bring even more workforce development groups into the fold and to also deepen connections with those who have already attended our meetings. Committee Chair Matt Thibodeau hopes to find a liaison to keep all these groups connected. The committee has also discussed creating a transportation fund to help with iron mining related field trips. THESE ACTIVITIES AND THE WORK OF THE IMA ARE ONLY SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE OF YOUR DIRECTION AND INVOLVEMENT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF OUR MANY SUCCESSES IN 2018-2019! WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO SERVE YOUR NEEDS IN 2020. The IMA continues to promote its Taconite Rocks! curriculum with teachers across the state and beyond. In the past year, teachers and students have learned about Taconite Rocks! and other iron mining related resources at: • The Minnesota Minerals Education Workshop (a funded workshop made possible by the Minnesota Center for Minerals Resource Education) where 60 teachers spent three days learning about the industry and educational opportunities in minerals. • The Iron Range STEM Festival (in partnership with SME). • The MEA Conference in St. Paul. 22 | Iron Mining Association of Minnesota