As a recipient of a technical college education and the training that enabled his career as a millwright and later as a refrigeration mechanic, John Kenneth Niemi understood the value of technical education. Mr. Niemi understood that education was a gift to be valued and would want to ensure other young people had the opportunity he had to gain the education necessary to build a solid career. Because of this belief, Mr. Niemi’s family established a memorial fund within LeadMN. This endowed fund provides funds for tool purchases required for completing an HVAC or a ‘hands-on’ trade course of study for students enrolled in a trade program and attending one of Minnesota State’s colleges.

• Be an Undergraduate or PSEO student enrolled in one of Minnesota State’s technical or consolidated colleges.
• Priority will be given to a student enrolled in HVAC, a ‘hands-on’ trade or construction course of study that requires the purchase of tools to complete the program.
• Have a grade point average (G.P.A.) of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.