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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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Join us on November 19th from 2 to 4 pm to get help filling out your 2024-2025 FAFSA, completing entrance counseling, Master Promissory Note, exit counseling and more. One-on-one help will be available. Reserve your spot for the Financial Aid workshop today on our website.
The Turf and Golf Course Management degree program at Anoka Tech helps students develop the technical skills needed to maintain turfgrass environments and the management and organizational skills necessary to help successfully manage golf course events and employees. Learn more on our website, link in bio.
The Anoka Technical College Associate of Applied Science degree in Judicial Reporting is a program designed to get graduates working as soon as possible. Learn more on Nov. 12 about the Judicial Reporting/Captioning degree at a virtual information session and NCRA "A to Z Intro to Steno" class. Check out our website to learn more, link in bio.
The demand for highly skilled analysts in health care is increasing every year. Anoka Technical College's Health Data Analytics certificate is designed specifically to help graduates and working professionals in Health Information Management advance their careers in data analytics. Attend the virtual information session to learn more on November 19. Visit our website in our bio to learn more!
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." Learn more about our Health Technology programs on our website in our bio.