Southeast Tech to Create Homebuilding Lab with $2 Million Wells Fargo Grant

Southeast Technical College (STC) is creating new hands-on learning opportunities on its campus with the new Wells Fargo Homebuilding Lab, made possible by a transformative $2 million grant from Wells Fargo to the STC Foundation. The announcement was made at an on-campus event attended by Gov. Larry Rhoden, U.S. Congressman Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken and television personality, author and advocate for the skilled trades, Mike Rowe.

The Wells Fargo Homebuilding Lab will provide students with real-world experience in residential construction while supporting affordable housing in the Sioux Falls region.

"We are deeply grateful to Wells Fargo for this generous investment in Southeast Tech and in our students. The new Homebuilding Lab will not only provide much-needed housing for families in our community but will also give our students the chance to build their own futures,” said STC president Cory Clasemann. “By working on these homes, students will gain the skills, confidence and industry connections to thrive in today’s workforce.”

The lab will be constructed on the south end of STC’s campus, between the Ed Wood Trade and Industry Center and the Sioux Falls School District’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Academy. While STC trade students have historically built homes off campus through various industry partnerships, the Homebuilding Lab represents new opportunities for real-world learning on campus. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026.

"Wells Fargo is proud to continue investing in South Dakota through our support of Southeast Technical College," stated Jason Rosenberg, Head of Public Affairs at Wells Fargo. "This partnership will deliver crucial workforce development training, equipping the next generation of skilled builders to bolster local communities across America."

By combining classroom learning with on-site construction projects, the Homebuilding Lab is a powerful example of education making a direct, lasting impact. Wells Fargo’s support underscores Southeast Tech’s mission to deliver industry-relevant education that changes lives one student—and one home—at a time.

“In South Dakota, we build for the future — and that is exactly what this new homebuilding lab does,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “It equips our students with the skills and resources they need to thrive, while also strengthening our communities one house at a time. Thank you to Wells Fargo and Southeast Tech for investing in the future of our students, communities, workforce and state.”

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ABOUT SOUTHEAST TECHNICAL COLLEGE: Southeast Tech is a career-focused learning environment for determined students who expect a life-changing education that gets results. Our faculty and staff are passionate about student success, and more than 65 associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and stand-alone courses provide pathways to professional accomplishment utilizing skills-relevant facilities and Sioux Falls as an extended classroom. Southeast Tech is a smart investment for students to launch their in-demand, technical careers in two years or less. Learn more about Southeast Tech at www.southeasttech.edu.

ABOUT WELLS FARGO: Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $2.1 trillion in assets. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 33 on Fortune’s 2025 rankings of America’s largest corporations. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.

Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellsfargo

Media Coverage

• Argus Leader - STC announces $2M gift from Wells Fargo to construct Homebuilding Lab
• Keloland - Wells Fargo gives $2 million grant to Southeast Technical College for Homebuilding Lab
• The Dakota Scout - 'Dirty Jobs' star Mike Rowe back in South Dakota for Homebuilder Lab unveiling
• KELO AM - Southeast Technical College is creating a Homebuilding Lab
• KXLG - Southeast Tech to Create Homebuilding Lab with $2 Million Wells Fargo Grant
• SDPB - Wells Fargo grant supports Southeast Tech lab to aid affordable housing

Watch the Announcement on YouTube