Workforce Development is HAPening in Ramsey County

HAP Academy OIC delivers short-term training with a long-term impact

This article marks the third in a series highlighting Ramsey County Workforce Solution’s partners. These community-based organizations deliver specialized employment and training services on behalf of the county. Their efforts expand access to workforce programs through career exploration, job-readiness training, and paid work experiences for individuals facing barriers to employment. They are integral in strengthening the local workforce ecosystem and helping residents move toward stable, long-term employment. 

For many individuals, the path to a more hopeful and rewarding future can feel overwhelming, with financial challenges and other barriers standing in the way. Short-term career training can often be the key to getting started.

At HAP Academy OIC in Ramsey County, MN, that opportunity is paired with personalized support, industry connections and a mission to expand access to workforce training across the region.

A recent testimonial from a participant summarizes the broader impact. “This program didn’t just give me a job. It gave me a future and showed my kids that anything is possible.”

Barriers removed

HAP Academy OIC is operated by the Hmong American Partnership, one of Ramsey County’s young adult employment program partners. HAP Academy OIC is a licensed short-term career training school focused on helping students quickly gain the technical, occupational, workplace and academic skills needed for in-demand careers. Since launching programming in 2024, it has rapidly expanded to reach approximately 500 students annually.

The organization serves a diverse student population from across the Twin Cities metro, including Hmong, Southeast Asian and broader immigrant and refugee populations in Ramsey County, while welcoming all individuals seeking career advancement.

“Our goal is to provide short-term training in a high-skill, high-wage, in-demand field and then support people in getting employed in their career area,” said Brent Olinger, Director of Education and Workforce Development at HAP Academy OIC.

Programming is meant to match current workforce demands, with training in healthcare, information technology (IT), transportation, business and manufacturing roles. Typical certifications and credentials students pursue include certified nursing assistant, certified phlebotomy technician, commercial driver’s license training, IT and general business.

One IT graduate reflected, “I didn’t have the resources or guidance before HAP, but I earned my CompTIA ITF+, A+ and Network+ certifications and now work as a Customer Support Level 1 Tech. HAP not only met my expectations but continued to support me long after training ended.”

One of HAP Academy OIC’s defining strengths is its focus on removing barriers to participation. Through partnerships with Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development grants and other funding sources, the organization works to minimize or eliminate tuition costs for participants.

“We do everything we can to make sure we’re not charging tuition,” Olinger said. “The goal is to help people access training that leads directly to opportunity.”

Partners in success

Employers also play a vital role in student success. HAP Academy OIC maintains strong relationships with large companies, small businesses and healthcare providers throughout the region to help connect graduates with employment opportunities.

The healthcare arena offers an excellent example of especially impactful relationships. Clinical partnership with Benedictine allows nursing assistant students to gain hands-on experience while building connections with an employer actively seeking talent.

“They know us, they know our faculty and they’re confident in the quality of our graduates,” Olinger said. “Often, employers are hiring students directly from those clinical experiences.”

That emphasis on quality has shaped the organization’s growth. Faculty bring academic and industry experience from institutions such as Metro State University and North Hennepin Community College, as well as private-sector employers. 

One nursing assistant graduate shared, “The instructors and staff were so supportive and patient. They built my confidence every step of the way. I’m now a CNA, and I finally found a career where I can make a difference.”

HAP Academy OIC has also intentionally invested in enhanced instruction and student support to improve long-term outcomes.

“We’ve really focused on quality first,” Olinger said. “We believe giving students that extra level of support and instruction leads to better employment outcomes.”

Futures made possible

Partners like HAP are essential in connecting Ramsey County residents to meaningful careers while helping employers meet growing workforce needs. HAP Academy OIC hopes to continue expanding its impact by pursuing accreditation and growing additional healthcare career pathways that allow students to build stackable credentials over time. Its efforts help Ramsey County continue to strengthen its workforce ecosystem. 

Learn more about and connect with HAP Academy OIC today. Contact Ramsey County Workforce Solutions to learn more or explore partnership opportunities to help build a stronger, more inclusive Ramsey County.