MINNPOLY - Level Minneapolis

A BRAND NEW LOOK FOR A FORWARD-LOOKING POLYTECH.

The Minnesota Polytechnic and Applied Learning Institute (MinnPoly), which is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, is the first and only polytechnic institute in Minnesota. The institution embraces a “learn by doing” approach that combines a liberal arts education with real-world skills finely honed on real-life projects. Students get prepared to join the workforce right after graduation, empowered with the hands-on experience and critical thinking abilities needed for a career in the field of their choice.

Launched in 2023 by Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU), in partnership with Saint Paul College, MinnPoly needed a brand identity reflecting its forward-looking mindset and innovative learning model. Its decision-makers teamed up with Level for a branding effort that showcased MinnPoly as a singular brand with elements underlining its MNSU connection. The effort included building a branded website foundation to deliver the MinnPoly story to various groups, including students, parents, industry, educational partners, and the community.

BEST IN CLASS

STANDALONE WEBSITE

COMPREHENSIVE BRAND LAUNCH

INNOVATIVE LEARNING MODEL

As a smart, new player to the academic game, MinnPoly needed a fresh brand identity that reflected its transformative educational model.

WHERE THE WORLDS OF EDUCATION AND BUSINESS CONVERGE.

Level designers created a simple, clean, modernized MinnPoly brandmark using the parent MNSU brand’s purple and gold palette. Next, the team developed a brand theme, “At The Intersection Of Learning And Doing,” that speaks to how MinnPoly’s programs seek to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge (classroom learning) and practical education (hands-on experience). Level designed the website to create a sense of coherence and flow that encouraged connection and engagement. Bold and compelling graphics pop with color, featuring a captivating visual mashup to represent a seamless melding of a mind-expanding education and the real world.