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September 19, 2005Minnesota's higher education systems and the state launch Web site to aid "new Americans"Contact: Melinda Voss, (651) 296-9443, melinda.voss@so.mnscu.edu Immigrants and refugees who relocate to Minnesota will now have a new online resource for information and services. Called "New to America," the online resource center is part of the ISEEK web-based education and career gateway that was developed out of a partnership between the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the University of Minnesota and the State of Minnesota. "Whether from Africa, southeast Asia or other places around the world, Minnesota has a strong history as a warm and welcoming place for new immigrants and refugees," said University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks. "This new Web site is an important part of continuing that tradition." James H. McCormick, chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, added: "Providing easy access to educational opportunities and other services can make a critical difference as new immigrants and refugees adjust to life in Minnesota. This Web site should help them see that their dreams for a better life can become a reality." The "New to America" addition to the ISEEK.org site features information on education, jobs, business development, cultural services, language resources, and legal services. ISEEK is the state's Web site for career, education, job and business development resources. The site resulted from a partnership with the state's two higher education systems, the Minnesota departments of Employment and Economic Development, Education, Administration and Office of Higher Education and the Minnesota Private College Council. The "New to America" site can be accessed at www.iseek.org/sv/42200.jsp ISEEK, the Internet System for Education and Employment Knowledge, is a Web-based gateway to Minnesota career, employment, education, and business development information and services. This system helps individuals and businesses make smart choices about careers, employment, education, and business growth. The University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive public universities in the United States and ranks among the most prestigious. It is both the state land-grant university, with a strong tradition of education and public service, and the state's primary research university, with faculty of national and international reputation. The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 240,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 130,000 students in non-credit courses. |
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