Hennepin Arts and Hennepin Technical College partnered to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students through a $135,000 equipment donation supporting the college’s Audio Production program.
The donation includes two professional theater sound systems from the Pantages Theatre and State Theatre, which will be installed at the Eden Prairie and Brooklyn Park campuses. These systems will serve as audio labs, giving students the opportunity to train on industry-standard equipment in real-world environments.
“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.”
At Hennepin Arts, the effort reflects a broader commitment to education and workforce development.
“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 and CEO. “This work reflects our mission to bring people together through education and meaningful experiences, while creating pathways into the creative workforce.”
Students will build foundational skills in the classroom before applying them in performance-based settings that mirror professional venues, strengthening their readiness for careers in live sound and audio production.
Together, the partnership helps connect students to real opportunities while supporting a strong and sustainable arts community.