In a nutshell: 3M and the University of Minnesota have a comprehensive relationship that includes workforce recruitment, research partnerships, outreach efforts, executive and employee engagement, and investments.

Investment: $120 million over 49 years makes 3M the U’s top corporate investor; includes $26 million as part of the Driven fundraising campaign, which concluded in 2021.

Partnership example: 3M set a goal of doubling the number of women and minorities in its management track by 2025, in order to increase the pool of talent and make the company more competitive. As the state’s largest source of workforce talent, the University worked with 3M to develop a partnership to help address this need. 

Why it matters: A multi-year investment of more than $8 million toward K-12 outreach, diversity scholarships, student programming support, and more will help the University recruit, retain, and graduate a more diverse student body. “3M is truly a unique and innovative partner, as they are looking across the entire talent pipeline to build the future workforce,” says Steve Corkery, associate vice president of corporate and foundation relations at the University of Minnesota Foundation.

Partnership highlights—by the numbers:
●    3M has supported more than 550 U of M students through scholarships and fellowships.
●    More than 14,000 students have been affected by 3M’s recent K-12 funding. 
●    There are a projected 40+ 3M Diversity Scholars entering the U in Fall 2018, up from 10 in 2015. This scholarship gives the U an edge in recruiting top students from all backgrounds. (Pictured above: 3M Diversity Scholar Devin Dykes; photo by Richard G. Anderson)
●    3M has invested $40 million in research projects at the U.
●    More than 40 3M leaders are currently on U of M advisory boards or serving as advisors to colleges and deans. 3M engages with a variety of U of M units ranging from business to engineering to law to the Academic Health Center.

Impact so far: “Hundreds of talented students from diverse backgrounds—from middle school to grad school—have seen the value of careers in science, technology, engineering, and math through our partnership with the U, whether it’s through outreach, programming, or student support. We’re so proud to stand behind these promising students and know we’ll be seeing their positive impact on the state far into the future. Investing in our students today ensures a solid foundation for our future leaders.”
—Jacqueline Berry, 3Mgives Manager, Education Initiatives