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History of Anoka Technical College

Since being founded in 1967 the college has built a reputation for maintaining a strong focus on students and the communities in which they live and work. Anoka Technical College offered five degree programs when it opened its doors over 50 years ago, and it has since expanded to offer awards in more than 70+ degree programs-from diplomas and certificates to affordable associate's degrees. 

College Timeline

Anoka Technical College's 50th Anniversary

ATC 50Thanniversary (2)

In 2017 Anoka Technical College celebrated 50 years of technical education excellence. 

50th Anniversary Blog  

Facts about Anoka Technical College

Anoka Technical College purchased World Aerospace, Char-Gale in 1965.

The initial renovation cost was $2,245,000 and construction lasted from 1953-1954. 

Anoka Vocational Technical Institute
    • Anoka Technical Education Center (1967)
    • Anoka Area Vocational Technical School (soon after opening)
    • Anoka-Hennepin Vocational Technical Institute
    • Anoka-Hennepin Area Vocational Technical Institute (AVTI) (1971)
    • Anoka Technical Institution (1987), mandated by the State Board of Technical Colleges
    • Anoka Technical College (1989), legislative mandate
    • Anoka-Hennepin Technical College (1992)
    • Anoka Technical College (2003)

Anoka Technical College (black and white photo)

"Prepare students for new and increasing job demands, as well as assisting persons to advance their present careers."

Classes started on September 18, 1967 and 94 students attended for free when the college first opened. Two years later, student enrollment increased to 1,000. 

Five programs were offered in 1967:

Agribusiness (Grain Feeding Technology)
Auto Mechanics
Concrete Technology
Optical Technology
Practical Nursing

Auto Mechanics and Practical Nursing remain as programs on campus in 2023. 

John Denver

Tuition in 1977 was $2 a day. 

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When Diana Sanchez moved to the US from Ecuador, she was looking for a college that would support her dream of becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant. "Anoka [Tech] opened the doors for me and gave me all the opportunities and facilities that I needed. They made me feel welcome the first time that I came here and helped me on my career path." After getting started in the Health Technology program, Diana successfully completed the coursework and testing to start in the OTA program.
Why choose Anoka Tech? Here you'll get hands-on training to develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Explore 70+ AAS degrees, diplomas and certificates to help fast track your way into a solid career. Link in bio to plan your visit.
Join us in celebrating our class of 2024! The spring 2024 graduation ceremony will be held Thursday, May 9 at 7 pm on Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids Campus. For more information check out our website.
Hunter Ogden came to Anoka Tech looking for a career where he could work with his hands and find success. Now he's a student in the CNC Design and Manufacturing program and has already started his career. "If someone I knew was trying to come to Anoka Tech, I would be honest and open and say 'it's going to be hard, but it's going to be worth your time because in the long run, it's going to help you so much in your career. It's going to help you succeed'," shares Ogden. Find a link in our bio to learn more about getting started at Anoka Tech.
Students enrolling in Anoka Tech's Information Technology (IT) programs in the fall 2024 will have even more flexibility in their learning options, with courses offered entirely online and with face-to-face options available. Find a link in our bio to learn more.