Transforming Tomorrow Together: Southern MN 2040

08/24/2026

With the school year fast approaching, Minnesota’s Rural Experiential STEM Education Partnership Initiative (RESEPI) is hard at work delivering robotics kits to area schools that have joined the program! This effort is growing and making a difference in school districts throughout Southern Minnesota. It's also taking a big step forward in helping establish a regional talent hub. Great job everyone!
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato Area Public Schools
Greater Mankato Growth

08/12/2026

Exciting development and progress!

07/27/2026

Communities thrive when businesses have room to grow. Transforming Tomorrow Together highlights strategies that support economic opportunity across Southern Minnesota. SMIF is helping drive that progress!!

Deadline approaching fast — SMIF's Economic Development Grant applications due August 10!

This grant supports projects that strengthen local business activity, promote steady economic growth across SMIF’s 20-county region and Native nation, encourage innovation, job creation and broader access to opportunity.

✨Apply by August 10! https://smifoundation.org/grants/for-grant-seekers/economic-development-grants/

07/13/2026

Minnesota’s Rural Experiential STEM Education Partnership Initiative (RESEPI) is growing! Having just completed educator training at the end of June, this innovative STEM program spearheaded by Travis Thul, Minnesota State University, Mankato, brings quality, STEM education to rural school districts at 1/20th the cost of traditional STEM robotics education.

So far, RESEPI gone from three schools in 2025 to 12 schools in 2026!! That is a 400% increase in partnerships in 12 months. Starting this fall, those schools will be provided with enough equipment and knowledge to reach over 600 students across Southern Minnesota. Way to go RESEPI!!

06/23/2026

Great news from Mankato Area Foundation for MAMB - Mankato Area Mountain Bikers and the Rockwell RV & Adventure Park, a Transforming Tomorrow Together Progress Partner initiative!

A bold vision for outdoor adventure is gaining traction in Mankato, thanks to support from the Curt and Debbie Fisher Fund at the Mankato Area Foundation.

Their $50,000 gift to MAMB - Mankato Area Mountain Bikers is helping launch the proposed 16-mile free public trail system at the Rockwell RV & Adventure Park.

Curious as how projects like this get rolling? Learn more: mankatoareafoundation.com/donors/our-donors/

06/22/2026

Communities that plan ahead are better prepared for change. This campaign encourages proactive thinking so Southern Minnesota can remain resilientand competitive!

06/10/2026

Entrepreneurship and innovation help regions respond to change.Transforming Tomorrow Together highlights opportunities that encourage creativity and smart risk-taking.

Don't forget to register! SMIF's Economic Development Grant has new guidelines! Join Mary Athey, SMIF vice president of entrepreneurship, June 18 for an informational webinar.

Eligible organizations include IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and other IRS-designated 501(c) nonprofit organizations or informal/grassroots groups may apply with an eligible fiscal host that is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organization. Units/agencies of government and public institutions are not eligible to apply in this round.

✨Register today! https://smifoundation.org/event/economic-development-grant-guidelines-walkthrough/

06/01/2026

Meet the business leaders who are choosing to invest in our community's future.

By bringing together regional business and community leaders, this campaign ensures The Future State is shaped not only for campus, but for Greater Mankato as a whole. From wellness and recreation to workforce growth and community connection, the vision continues to grow through the people helping lead it forward.

Together, we can help shape the future of Mankato.

05/20/2026

As part of Transforming Tomorrow Together, area leaders are coming together to talk about growth, workforce development, innovation, and how initiatives started today, will define tomorrow.

Check out more highlights on the MSU The Future State and its potential impact the region!

05/14/2026

MSU The Future State promises to have a significant impact the Greater Mankato region! It is a cornerstone project for Transforming Tomorrow Together. Excellent presentation earlier this week at the Maverick Innovation Gateway. Check out some highlights!