In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, the need to
connect education with opportunity has never been
greater. That’s why the Central Minnesota Manufacturers
Association (CMMA) launched the K12 Navigator, a
groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge the gap
between local schools and the manufacturing sector.

Launched in 2020, the K12 Navigator was created with one
simple but powerful goal: to help students explore realworld
career pathways in manufacturing by connecting
educators with industry partners. Today, it stands as a vital
tool for teachers, career counselors, and administrators
across Central Minnesota, offering them a direct line to
experiences that bring the classroom to life.

“The K12 Navigator was built on collaboration,” says a
CMMA spokesperson. “It brings together manufacturers
who are eager to mentor, offer tours, or speak in
classrooms—and educators who want to show students
what’s possible in their own backyard.”

At its core, the Navigator is a free online tool that functions
as a searchable directory of manufacturing employers
who are open to engaging with schools. From job
shadowing and classroom visits to plant tours, mentorship,
internships, and even equipment donations, the platform
helps schools quickly locate partners aligned with their
students’ interests and curriculum goals.

The value for students is immense. By offering hands-on
learning experiences and personal connections to industry
professionals, the K12 Navigator gives students insight
into careers they may never have considered, careers that
are not only high-wage and high-demand, but also deeply
rooted in their communities.

Educators praise the program for how accessible and easy
it is to use. “It saves us time, opens doors for our students,
and gives us real-world partnerships that enhance
learning,” says one high school career counselor. “You can
tell it was created with teachers in mind.”

What makes the K12 Navigator especially impactful is
that it doesn’t just serve students, it strengthens the
future of manufacturing. As companies across the region
face a growing talent shortage, early engagement with
youth is critical. By helping to build awareness, interest,
and confidence in manufacturing as a viable career path,
CMMA is investing in tomorrow’s workforce today.

The program is open to all K-12 schools in the region
and is completely free to use. It’s also supported by other
regional manufacturing alliances, helping broaden its reach
and impact beyond CMMA’s core membership.

For manufacturers, it’s an opportunity to give back, grow
visibility, and plant the seeds for long-term success. For
schools, it’s a lifeline to real-world career exploration. For
students, it’s a chance to see a future they can believe in
and build.

To learn more or access the Navigator,
visit k12navigator.org.