Higher Education Giving

Successful Students
We invest primarily in technical, engineering and business schools, and efforts that further teaching and learning. Our grants make a difference for students and their success through support of new curriculum, scholarship and retention programs. Our goal is to help students prepare for future opportunities in an ever-changing world.

Higher Education Giving Emphasis

• To advance teaching and learning in science, engineering and business.
  
• To increase participation by underrepresented people in these fields.
  
• To establish a link with K-12 education through professional development for teachers and college readiness for students.

Highlights

University of Minnesota Institute of Technology Employee/Retiree Challenge Advancing the Undergraduate Program

Employee and retiree gifts are matched 3:1 by the 3M Foundation up to $100,000 and the overage 1:1 up to $200,000. Funds will renovate Lind Hall to expand academic advising, career service and other programs that serve current and future students.

The minimum gift is $25 and individual gifts are capped at $10,000. Gifts will be matched until March 30, 2010 or until the goal is reached. To participate, complete the paper form and return to the university. Click here for details and a fact sheet.

Build a Computer
How do you attract young people to science and engineering? One way might be to go to a college campus and build their own computer. A 3M Foundation grant to South Dakota School of Mines and Technology brings twenty Native American students to campus to do just that. Other programming throughout the school year provides academic support to help students prepare for college.

Engineering Leaders A multi-year 3M Foundation grant totaling $1 million was awarded to Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa to establish the Engineering Leadership Program. ELP helps undergraduate students develop these skills to prepare them for leadership and collaborative opportunities in their professional careers. The program blends academics with experiential learning. The grant funded curriculum and student scholarship.