Niron Magnetics Launches Scholarship Program for Sartell Students Ahead of New Manufacturing Facility

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (February 19, 2026) – Niron Magnetics, a leading manufacturer of rare-earth-free Iron Nitride permanent magnets, today announced it is working with the Sartell-St. Stephen Dollars for Scholars program to award scholarships supporting local students pursuing higher education and technical training. The scholarship program includes two $10,000 awards for students attending four-year universities in Minnesota and three $2,500 scholarships for students enrolling at St. Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC). Niron Magnetics will also provide an additional $2,500 scholarship through the SCTCC Foundation, which will unlock a 10-1 match from the State of Minnesota, effectively funding 11 scholarships at $2,500 each.

The scholarships are part of Niron Magnetics’ commitment to the Sartell community, where the company is building its first commercial manufacturing plant and positioning the region as a hub for advanced magnet manufacturing. The funds are also part of the first scholarships awarded through the Sartell-St. Stephen Dollars for Scholars program, which is launching this year with the graduating class of 2026. 

By supporting both four-year university students and those pursuing technical and community college education, Niron Magnetics is investing in the full range of skills required to support modern manufacturing operations.

"Our future and Sartell's future are intertwined. These scholarships are one way we can help build on what this community is already doing for its students," said Mark Schramek, Vice President of Government Affairs at Niron Magnetics. "With 40% of Minnesota's job openings requiring STEM skills and only 51 workers available for every 100 jobs, we face a critical talent shortage. Niron Magnetics’ scholarship program addresses this head-on by supporting local students pursuing degrees in engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, and advanced manufacturing, the exact skills needed to keep American innovation competitive."

Niron Magnetics’ Sartell manufacturing plant, which is expected to begin production in 2027, will create approximately 175 full-time jobs in its first year, including technicians and engineers, as well as operations and administrative staff. The facility will look to produce up to 1,500 tons of magnets annually, serving customers in the U.S. and globally, and offering long-term career opportunities for local graduates.

Permanent magnets are essential components in a wide range of everyday technologies, including vehicle motors, industrial equipment, and defense systems. Producing these magnets domestically requires a skilled workforce that aligns with the education pathways supported by these scholarships.

“We are incredibly grateful to Niron Magnetics for their generous investment in our students by offering scholarships through the Sartell-St. Stephen Dollars for Scholars program,” said Sarah Hensel, President, Sartell-St. Stephen Dollars for Scholars. “We are appreciative of their commitment to supporting education in our community, and we look forward to expanding scholarship opportunities for Sartell-St. Stephen students beyond their high school education. Niron Magnetics’ gift will have an immediate and meaningful impact on students who are preparing to begin their post-secondary journey.”

Students can apply for scholarships through the Sartell-St. Stephen Dollars for Scholars program until March 12, 2026, at sartell-ststephen.dollarsforscholars.org by clicking the “Students and Parents” tab for application instructions and login information.  Recipients will be announced at Sartell High School Senior Awards Night on May 20, 2026, at 7 p.m.

About Niron Magnetics

Niron Magnetics is scaling the world's first advanced manufacturing process for the mass production of permanent magnets powered by its breakthrough material formulation. The company's proprietary magnet technology, based on Iron Nitride, enables magnets that are inherently high magnetisation, free of rare earths and other critical materials, and will drive innovation in various industries. For more information about Niron Magnetics and its technology, please visit https://www.nironmagnetics.com/.

About Sartell-St. Stephen Dollars for Scholars

Sartell-St. Stephen Dollars for Scholars is a new local nonprofit that is part of the national Dollars for Scholars network through Scholarship America.  The organization is dedicated to supporting Sartell-St. Stephen students pursuing postsecondary education - whether at four-year universities, two-year technical colleges, or trade schools. The first scholarships through the Sartell-St. Stephen Dollars for Scholars program will be awarded to members of the Sartell High School graduating class of 2026.

Media Contact

Jillian Smith, jillian.smith@deeptech.agency