St. Joseph Institute of Industry & Agriculture
MISSION & vALUES
A New Approach to Education
Many recent headlines about college are revealing: Incoming College Freshmen Will Rack Up an Average of $43,000 in Student Loans by Graduation, Nearly 2 in 3 Americans Now Say College Degrees Aren't Worth the Financial Cost, They Chose Careers in the Trades and Still Wound Up With Debt
The need for education has not disappeared, but confidence in the way it is delivered and financed is eroding. Students pursuing both college degrees and skilled careers are too often asked to begin their working lives burdened by debt or lacking the experience they need to secure anything beyond entry-level employment.
Our mission is simple: To open the doors of higher education by uniting learning, work, enterprise, and character, so every student may graduate prepared for career, service, and life free from the burden of educational debt.
How We will Accomplish Our Goal
We are in the process of creating a work college in Saint Joseph, Missouri where students can work in the industry connected with the degree they are studying. For example, if a student wishes to obtain a degree in culinary arts, they will attend their classes while working in a restaurant that is owned by or partnered with the school.
The work performed by the student will provide needed experience to help launch them beyond entry-level positions in their field and provide the tuition needed to cover their costs.
Current Stage
We have selected an initial board and filed for incorporation and an EIN number with the IRS. Right now we are in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) status and expanding our board.
We are still in the early stages of this project and will provide updates as we make progress.