Morgan Community College/Cargill Meat Solutions Workplace Education was named one of five exemplary and leading-edge programs in the nation.

The designation is the result of a Lumina Foundation for Education grant awarded to the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce (CSW) to identify successful programs between employers and community colleges that are working to strengthen the educational attainment of the Hispanic workforce.

“The MCC/Cargill program is at the top in terms of success for students, industry and the college,” said CSW Spokesperson Mary Gershwin.

MCC/Cargill Meat Solutions Workplace Education program strengths are the personal attention given to each student, the variety of classes that are offered, and the sensitivity to scheduling practices so there are classes held before and after shift changes at the plant. Cargill employees and their families are encouraged to participate. Employees are compensated at one-half their hourly wage to pursue workplace education. Support for the program that is thoroughly integrated into the employer site is very strong from both sides--Cargill and MCC. 

Cargill does not promote workplace education as a way to leave meat-packing, but to provide career paths within the industry. The concept is a more cost effective way of doing business for the company because the current employee, who may have opportunity for advancement as a result of his/her increased skills and language competency, is already familiar with industry procedures. Increasingly, Cargill management is being made up of graduates of workplace education classes. When the program began, 95% of supervisory positions were held by non-Hispanics; today that number is 45%. Besides promotion considerations for the employees and increased retention for the industry, another one of Cargill’s goals is to help employees successfully assimilate into the community.

MCC has a strong sense of ownership/commitment to the community of which Cargill is the major employer with a workforce of 2000. Workplace education is an integral part of college’s goal to be a force in the community for economic and workforce development. The program also serves as a bridge to the college for students to pursue further their studies, beyond GED completion, in college level ESL, math and reading. MCC provides college advising, placement and enrollment services on-site.  These services are not only helpful for workplace education students but also for employees as parents who want to help their own children get into college.