Director with Minneapolis’ Kraus-Anderson named to board of AchieveMpls

Mike Smoczyk

Mike Smoczyk, director of professional development for Kraus-Anderson (KA), has been appointed to the board of the nonprofit AchieveMpls, one of the region’s leading career and college readiness providers.

AchieveMpls directs Career & College Centers in Minneapolis and Saint Paul public high schools, manages student internship programs and works to ensure that all young people have full and equitable access to postsecondary education and career opportunities, thereby creating a more just and vibrant community.

Smoczyk directs Kraus-Anderson University (KAU), which provides training curriculum and enrichment programs for more than 600 KA employees, clients and business partners systemwide each year. KAU programs address a broad spectrum of professional development, including field technical training, mentoring programs, internships and leadership development training for every stage of career. KAU has also successfully partnered with educational institutions, such as Bemidji State University, Lake Superior College, Anoka Technical College and St. Paul College to develop curriculum and provide industry training.

Prior to joining KA in 2007, Smocyzk served as director of career and technical education with Northeast Metro Intermediate School District 916 and was an administrator and teacher at North Branch Schools.

Smocyzk, a LEED Green Associate, holds a B.S. in Technology Education from UW-Stout, an M.Ed in Vocational Education and Post-Graduate Educational Administration Program from the University of Minnesota. He previously served on the boards of USGBC-MN, the 916 Education Foundation and The Education Foundation of the Forest Lake Area (TEFFLA).