Moorhead Public Schools
Moorhead Area Public Schools (MAPS) is proud to announce a new long-term partnership with Cardinal IG Company (CIG), a leading manufacturer of insulated glass products, to support the district’s Career Academy programs—specifically engineering and mechatronics courses.
As part of this multi-year agreement, CIG will provide funding to support further development of mechatronics, engineering and design thinking instruction at the Moorhead High School Career Academy. This partnership will enhance hands-on learning opportunities, helping students explore and prepare for high-demand career pathways.
“This collaboration is a powerful example of how local industry and public education can work together to prepare students for the future,” said Dr. Brandon Lunak, Superintendent of Moorhead Area Public Schools. “Thanks to Cardinal IG’s support, we are strengthening our capacity to offer high-quality, real-world learning in engineering and related technical fields.”
In recognition of the partnership, MAPS will designate a dedicated instructional space within the Career Academy as the Cardinal IG Mechatronics Lab. The lab will serve as a hub for innovation and skill development in automation, systems integration and design processes.
Through this agreement, CIG will also have opportunities to engage with students via career fairs, classroom visits and experiential learning such as internships, job shadowing and mentorships. Their involvement will help students gain practical skills and insights into career paths in advanced manufacturing and engineering.
“At Cardinal IG, we believe that investing in education is one of the most powerful ways to shape the future of both our industry, manufacturing in general, and our community,” said Mike Arntson, Plant Manager. “Our partnership with Moorhead Area Public Schools is about more than support—it’s about sparking curiosity, building real-world skills and empowering the next generation of makers, designers, problem-solvers and leaders. Together, we’re helping students prepare for meaningful careers while strengthening the local talent pipeline.”
This partnership reflects MAPS’ ongoing commitment to providing students with relevant learning experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world careers.