Taylor Family Donation will Fund STEM Training, Scholarships
(St. Louis, MO) Ranken Technical College will receive a $5 million donation from the Taylor family, owners and operators of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands. The money will fund scholarships, STEM outreach activities for young people, and automotive equipment at Ranken’s locations in St. Louis and Wentzville.
Ranken President Stan Shoun said of the donation “The Taylor family has long been ahead of the curve in recognizing the importance of technical education to the continued growth of the St. Louis economy. Tech and blue collar jobs are the backbone of the city, and the future of our economy. The Taylor family has long understood that you need a strong base of technical expertise to keep any major operation running smoothly.”
The bulk of the donation will help low-income students afford tuition at the private, non-profit college. The donation will also fund STEM activities such as Ranken’s successful Summer Adventure Academies, which introduce middle and high school students to the opportunities available in technical and hands-on careers. Ranken will also purchase new training equipment for its automotive programs, including the brand new Diesel Technology Center in Wentzville, Mo., which will open this fall.
“This donation is a cornerstone in our long-term plan to expand our offerings and bring the Ranken experience to as many students as possible,” continued Shoun. “St. Louis doesn’t have a problem creating jobs, it has a problem training students to fill those jobs. With the education we can provide, Ranken will prepare St. Louis area students for the high-tech careers of the future, and help build a strong, skills-based workforce.”
“Our family is thrilled to support Ranken in its mission to prepare students for a successful future,” said Jo Ann Taylor Kindle, president of the Enterprise Holdings Foundation. “This investment is in our youth, and our family believes that education is critically important to the future of St. Louis.”
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Since 1907, Ranken Technical College has served the St. Louis region by providing skilled labor through hands-on, state-of-the-art training in a variety of technical disciplines. Ranken prepares students for successful careers in their chosen technical fields by placing emphasis on technical training, general education and professionalism. The College offers Associate of Technology and Science degrees in five core divisions—Automotive, Construction, Electrical, Information Technology and Manufacturing as well as Bachelor of Science degrees in Architectural Technology and Applied Management. Ranken is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information about Ranken Technical College, visit www.ranken.edu or call 1-866.4RANKEN.