Expanding Access Through Sustainable Investments

School-Based Health Clinic Opens at Two Rivers High School

This fall, School District 197 launched Warrior Care, a new school-based health clinic inside Two Rivers High School. In partnership with Riverland Community Health and funded through a Minnesota Department of Health grant, the clinic provides students and staff with convenient, on-campus access to licensed medical care—reducing time away from school and supporting overall wellness. By bringing healthcare directly to where students spend their day, Warrior Care removes barriers to care, supports preventive health, and helps improve attendance. The clinic currently serves Two Rivers students and staff, with plans to expand services to more district families in the future.

 

 

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Expanding Early Learning Access with Full-Day Pre-k at Pilot Knob

School District 197 is expanding early learning access by using new Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) state funding to launch full-day pre-K at Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School in Eagan. Previously a half-day program, Pilot Knob now offers five hours of preschool each day—including breakfast, lunch, and bus transportation—free for eligible 4-year-olds. This change removes financial and transportation barriers, making high-quality early learning more accessible. The district’s Early Learning and Family Resource Center in West St. Paul also offers full- day pre-K, providing an additional option for families. With these programs, the district is reaching more families—particularly those in the southern part of the district—while also supporting long-term enrollment growth. Located within an elementary school, Pilot Knob’s pre-K classrooms give families a natural place to start and grow, supported by a dedicated space built during the 2015 community-funded renovation.

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School District 197 Secure Youth Skills Training Grant

School District 197 has received a Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Youth Skills Training (YST) grant to help students gain meaningful career exposure and paid work experience in high-demand fields such as manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, health care, and technology. The grant will expand career-connected learning at Two Rivers High School by strengthening partnerships with local businesses and creating more hands-on learning opportunities. A central focus will be a new work readiness center that provides students—including those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)—with career counseling, resources, and real-world experience. The program aims to increase the number of students with IEPs participating in paid internships in growing industries like agriculture, environmental science, computer science and technology, while also developing a long-term plan to help all students with IEPs explore and prepare for future careers. Local businesses interested in partnering can contact Miles Lawson.

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Two Rivers Seniors Receive Early College Admission Through State Program

Two Rivers High School is participating in Minnesota’s Direct Admissions program, a statewide initiative that makes college more accessible by automatically admitting seniors to Minnesota colleges and universities based on their academic record and projected graduation. This removes barriers like application fees and the uncertainty of “will I get in?” with an early “YES!” In October, Two Rivers seniors received personalized emails listing the schools where they already qualify for admission, allowing them to choose which schools to move forward with and apply at no cost.

 

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