A Donor's Perspective: Building a Skilled Workforce

Kurt Loudenback

For Kurt Loudenback, CEO and President of Grand Prairie Foods, supporting Southeast Technical College is a practical investment rooted in the realities of modern manufacturing and the need for a skilled workforce.

Through its support of the NEXT Comprehensive Campaign, which concluded in December 2025, Grand Prairie Foods is helping expand access to hands-on technical education in Sioux Falls—ensuring graduates are prepared for high-demand careers in manufacturing and skilled trades.

Building a Reliable Talent Pipeline

Grand Prairie Foods’ partnership with Southeast Tech is built on results. Through the Build Dakota Scholarship and the college’s Mechatronics program, the company has developed a strong pipeline of job-ready talent.

“We’ve utilized the Build Dakota program to invest in students, and it has become a source of solid employees,” Loudenback said. “That’s encouraged us to participate in the campaign.”

By hiring students as they train, the company gains employees who understand both the technical demands of the job and expectations of today’s manufacturing environment.

Meeting the Demands of Modern Manufacturing

As automation and smart technology become standard, manufacturers need workers with advanced technical skills.

“The future of manufacturing will rely on technology to improve productivity,” Loudenback said. “The equipment being used by industry is essentially computer-driven, and that requires highly skilled personnel to operate and maintain it.”

Programs like Mechatronics at Southeast Tech meet that need by combining mechanical systems, electronics and computer controls in a hands-on learning environment.

“The employee of the future will require new skills to capitalize on current and new technologies,” Loudenback said.

Education That Listens to Industry

Southeast Tech’s close alignment with industry needs is a key reason for continued investment.

“Southeast Tech does a great job of listening to the needs of regional business and industry,” Loudenback said. “They convert those learnings into programs that produce well-prepared individuals to solve the problems of the day.”

With updated facilities funded through the NEXT Campaign, students gain experience with industry-standard equipment and graduate ready to contribute on day one.

Strengthening the Workforce and Community

The impact reaches beyond campus. By supporting Southeast Tech, Grand Prairie Foods is helping build a stronger workforce and a more resilient regional economy.

“The investment in facilities will provide a solid pipeline of skilled individuals who will benefit our businesses and industries,” Loudenback said.

The campaign’s success also reflects strong community support for workforce development.

“It proves that the community believes strongly in the need for skilled graduates,” he said. “And that Southeast Tech has successfully communicated a strategy to meet those needs.”

Opportunity for the Next Generation

For Loudenback, the goal is simple: help students launch meaningful careers.

“My hope is that our support plays a small role in helping students launch successful careers in the trades,” he said.

His message to students is clear:

“Your future is bright. Take advantage of all the programs have to offer so you can leverage your education into meaningful, well-paying careers.”

Learn More: Campaign NEXT   Read about STC's Industry Partnerships