Southeast Technical College Breaks Ground on Wells Fargo Homebuilding Lab

Southeast Technical College broke ground Friday on the Wells Fargo Homebuilding Lab, a new campus expansion that will provide students with hands-on construction experience while supporting affordable housing efforts in the Sioux Falls region.

College leaders, students, community partners and elected officials gathered on Southeast Tech’s campus near the building site to mark the start of construction. 

The Wells Fargo Homebuilding Lab will serve as a real-world learning environment where students gain practical skills in construction while contributing to community housing needs.

“Our goal is to give students meaningful, hands-on learning that prepares them for today’s workforce while making a positive impact in our community,” said Dr. Cory Clasemann, president of Southeast Technical College. “This project reflects what’s possible when education and industry work together, and we’re grateful to Wells Fargo for their investment in our students and in the long-term strength of the Sioux Falls region.”

Wells Fargo leaders emphasized the project’s focus on workforce development, education and community impact.

“Through our investment with Southeast Technical College, the Wells Fargo Homebuilding Lab will prepare students to graduate with the skills needed to build the future of Sioux Falls and thriving communities across all of South Dakota," said Jason Rosenberg, Head of Public Affairs for Wells Fargo. 

The project aligns technical education with regional workforce priorities by combining classroom instruction, experiential learning and community-focused outcomes.

“For students, this lab is about more than constructing a building,” said Clasemann. “It’s about building confidence, gaining real-world experience and meeting a real need in our community.”

The Wells Fargo Homebuilding Lab is designed to enhance STC’s construction-related programs and strengthen partnerships with industry and community stakeholders. Construction is expected to continue through spring 2027.

Media Coverage

• DGR News - Southeast Technical College Breaks Ground on Wells Fargo Homebuilding Lab; New Learning Space Slated for Completion in Spring 2027
• Argus Leader - Southeast Tech breaks ground on Wells Fargo Homebuilding Lab
• The Dakota Scout - $3.4M Homebuilding Lab to put students on construction sites from foundation to finish
• Dakota News Now - Southeast Tech breaks ground on new hands-on trades lab
• Keloland.com - Southeast Tech breaks ground on homebuilding lab
• Yahoo! - Southeast Tech breaks ground on homebuilding lab
• Pigeon605.com - Southeast Technical College breaks ground on Wells Fargo Homebuilding Lab
• Sioux Falls Live - $3.4M Homebuilding Lab to put students on construction sites from foundation to finish