Ranken Technical College: A Century of Hands-On Education and Innovation
Ranken Technical College, a private technical school in St. Louis, Missouri, has been a cornerstone of technical education for over a century. Founded in 1907 by David Ranken Jr., the college has remained committed to its mission of training students for successful employment in various technical and mechanical fields. With a focus on hands-on learning and state-of-the-art facilities, Ranken has consistently adapted to the evolving needs of industry and the St. Louis region.
A Legacy of Practical Learning
From its inception, Ranken Technical College has prioritized practical experience. David Ranken Jr. established the institution with a deed of more than $1 million, and the first academic year began in September 1909. Ranken's unique learning model emphasizes a professional mindset from day one. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances classroom instruction with extensive hands-on lab and shop experience. For every hour spent in the classroom, students dedicate at least three hours to mastering practical skills, averaging 15 hours each week. Knowledgeable instructors guide students through this immersive learning process, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers.
Academic Divisions and Programs
Ranken Technical College offers a wide range of programs across five main divisions:
- Automotive: The Automotive Division, bolstered by recent upgrades to the Rodenheiser Automotive Center, provides students with access to state-of-the-art tools and equipment in modern workshops.
- Electrical: This division trains students in various aspects of electrical technology, preparing them for careers in fields such as industrial electricity, construction, and telecommunications.
- Construction: Students in the Construction Division gain hands-on experience in carpentry, plumbing, and other essential building trades. The Ranken Community Development Corporation (RCDC) provides real-world construction experience through the building and renovation of single-family homes.
- Information Technology: With the ever-increasing importance of technology, Ranken's IT programs equip students with the skills needed to succeed in areas such as network administration, cybersecurity, and software development.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing division focuses on training students for careers in advanced manufacturing, precision machining, and related fields.
In addition to these core divisions, Ranken also offers programs such as Architectural Technology. Architectural Technology students learn to assess, plan and create effective building and structural designs, making Ranken one of the best architecture schools around. Throughout the program, students participate in a series of architectural studio classes that combine design projects with studio work and offer students the opportunity to manage projects from concept design through construction documentation. Students enrolled in the Architectural Technology program are required to complete the majority of their coursework via computer, utilizing computer-aided design and drafting in each of their studio projects. Students work together on a series of increasingly complex studio projects in a mentoring atmosphere.
Campuses and Facilities
Ranken Technical College has expanded its reach beyond its original St. Louis location. The main campus, situated on an 18-acre complex spanning three city blocks, boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to facilitate hands-on learning. The St. Louis campus has operated continuously in the same location for more than a century. The facilities reflect that history, as well as the College’s commitment to consistently offering superior training on cutting-edge equipment. This growing campus now includes the Robert W.
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Ranken - West, with locations in Wentzville and Troy, MO, extends the college's commitment to excellence with modern shops, labs, and equipment. Because of its’ exceptional rate of growth, Ranken-West is currently expanding its facilities in order to serve more students in the area. Wentzville, located in western St. Charles County, was selected for its rising population, robust economic development, and proximity to high-tech companies. Troy, in Lincoln County, houses Ranken's Agricultural Engineering Program, Advanced Precision Machining, and HVACR programs.
Ranken - Central MO classes combine hands-on technical training and general education.
Ranken Technical College is excited to announce that we will open a new location in Perryville, Missouri next year. Along with our existing St.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Ranken Technical College actively engages with the St. Louis community through various initiatives and partnerships. The Ranken Community Development Corporation (RCDC), established in 1994, exemplifies this commitment. Prior to establishing the RCDC, Ranken students exercised their skills through projects with community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. The program combines the technical skills of its students and faculty with the need for affordable housing, enhancing North St. Through the RCDC and their required curriculum, students receive hands-on experience in the carpentry and plumbing involved in the construction and renovation of single-family homes. The non-profit organization has built more than 50 homes to date. Once the houses are completed, they are sold.
Ranken also collaborates with local organizations and businesses to provide students with real-world learning opportunities and to address workforce needs. On Tuesday, Ranken welcomed local government officials and business representatives for a manufacturing briefing hosted by the City of St. Louis’ License Collector Mavis Thompson.
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Learn 2 Earn (L2E) Program
Conceived by Ranken Technical College in 2016 and supported by The Berges Family Foundation, Learn 2 Earn (L2E) is a STEM talent pipeline development and incentive funding strategy. The overall L2E goal is to provide a wide variety of activity options and times that allow each secondary or middle school student, over a six-year period, to amass up to $10,000 in scholarship credits to attend Ranken Technical College. Combined with federal resources and financial aid, such as that provided by STAR, most students would essentially be eligible to attend Ranken cost-free for a two-year degree.
L2E enforces certain constraints, e.g. credits are non-transferable and expire two years after high school graduation, or equivalent. Various amounts of scholarship credits are earned by successfully completing STEM activities such as Summer Career Academy, FIRST Robotics competitions, and SkillsUSA.
To launch the program, the design calls for participants to be recruited from selected partners including Marian Middle School, Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls, and Girls Scouts of Eastern Missouri, who also happen to be part of the Berges STEM initiative. Over time, the strategic plan for L2E is to encompass many more schools across the St.
Stan H. said “The future of our region, state, and nation, is dependent upon our ability to produce a diverse and skilled STEM workforce for the 21st century…programs such as Learn 2 Earn, supported by the Berges Family Foundation, is helping to develop the pipeline necessary to meet that need.” The Berges Family Foundation was an early contributor and supporter of L2E and a strong proponent of the program from the very beginning.
Accreditation and Reputation
Ranken Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that its programs meet rigorous academic standards. The college has cultivated a strong reputation among businesses and industries in the St. Louis region, which translates to excellent job prospects for its graduates. Ranken reports that its graduates have exposure to an average of five to seven job opportunities.
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Preparing Students for Real-World Success
Ranken Technical College's commitment to preparing students for real-world success is evident in its hands-on approach to education. For each hour of classroom instruction, students spend at least three hours in a lab or shop setting, developing proficiency in the skills needed to excel in their careers. By treating students as professionals from day one, Ranken instills the mindset and work ethic necessary for success in the modern workforce.
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