Educational grants funded by unclaimed capital credits
(FARMINGTON, MN) November 15, 2025 – Dakota Electric Association® awarded $50,000 in educational grants to support local students and schools through its four-year rotating school grant program. The funding—made possible through unclaimed capital credits—was distributed among Independent School Districts 199 (Inver Grove Heights), 197 (West St. Paul–Mendota Heights–Eagan), 196 (Rosemount–Eagan–Apple Valley), and Inver Hills Community College.
Each year, Dakota Electric reinvests unclaimed capital credits into local education, helping to strengthen communities and empower the next generation of leaders. This year’s grants will enhance student learning, advance district goals, and support innovative programming across the service area.
Districts 199 and 197 will use their grants to bolster Career and College Readiness programming through the TriDistrict Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (TriDistrict CAPS). The funds will help cover transportation for students without reliable transit and support start-up costs for a new CAPS center, giving students increased access to real-world career exploration and internship opportunities.
District 196 will use its grant to expand waste reduction efforts across its high schools by adding compost bins, educational signage, and waste audits—efforts that empower students to take the lead in sustainability initiatives and reduce the district’s environmental footprint.
“In recent years, our students have challenged the district administration to find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across our district,” said Peter Olson-Skog, Ph.D., superintendent of School District 197. “By expanding recycling programs, starting composting in our cafeterias, and engaging students through education campaigns, we believe we can make a difference—both for the environment and our school communities. This project will reduce our landfill contributions and lower the energy footprint tied to school waste management. It’s through student advocacy that we continue to evolve how we manage learning environments while exploring additional ways to impact our overall emissions.”
Inver Hills Community College will use its portion of the grant to remove barriers to student success by addressing basic needs and providing financial assistance, helping students remain focused on their education.
“This money is being donated to help reduce barriers to student success, improve retention, and foster a more equitable learning environment,” said Peggy Johnson, community relations director at Dakota Electric. “By addressing basic needs and providing financial assistance, we know we are helping students focus on their education.”
Through this grant program, Dakota Electric continues its long-standing commitment to empowering local students, supporting education, and investing in the communities it serves. By transforming unclaimed capital credits into meaningful opportunities, the cooperative helps ensure that the benefits of member ownership extend beyond reliable electricity—creating lasting impact for future generations.
About Dakota Electric Association:
Dakota Electric Association is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving over 117,000 members in and around Dakota County. Established in 1937, Dakota Electric is committed to providing its members with reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity while actively engaging with the community and promoting energy efficiency. For more information, visit www.dakotaelectric.com or follow Dakota Electric on X, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.
