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Youth

North Dakota Career Preparation Initiative Receives $1.5 Million Boost

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A state-led initiative to strengthen career preparation for high school students in the west-central region of North Dakota has received a significant boost. Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) has donated $1.5 million to support the completion of a regional career and technical education (CTE) center, which will serve as a resource for 10 high schools in the area. The facility, scheduled to open in the fall of 2024, will offer college dual-credit opportunities and instruction in high-demand occupational fields, including construction, agriculture, health care, and welding.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Heart River Career and Technical Education Center will be a $1.5 million facility attached to the new Mandan High School, creating a resource for 10 high schools in the west-central region of North Dakota.
  • The facility will offer instruction in high-demand occupational fields, including construction, agriculture, manufacturing, health care, welding, culinary arts, and other high-demand fields.
  • College dual-credit opportunities will be available to students through a partnership between Mandan Public Schools and United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) in Bismarck.
  • MPC's grant adds to initial construction funding that came from a CTE capital projects grant created by the North Dakota legislature in 2021.
  • The facility is expected to foster creativity and critical thinking, promote a skilled and capable workforce in the community, and create educational pathways for high school students to post-secondary schools and local employment.
  • The initiative is a result of collaboration between the public and private sectors, with multiple organizations and institutions working together to strengthen career preparation for North Dakota youth.
  • Mandan Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Bitz, United Tribes Technical College President Dr. Leander McDonald, and MPC's Mandan Refinery General Manager Chris Staats are key stakeholders involved in this initiative.

Statistics:

  • $1.5 million: The amount of funding provided by MPC to support the completion of the regional CTE center.
  • 10 high schools: The number of schools that will benefit from the new center's resources and instruction.
  • 2024: The scheduled opening date of the Heart River Career and Technical Education Center.
  • 2021: The year the North Dakota legislature created a CTE capital projects grant to support initial construction funding.
  • 100%: The expected capacity of the facility to offer hands-on experience in high-demand occupational fields for students.

Sources:

  • Press Release: Marathon Petroleum Corporation
  • North Dakota legislature
  • United Tribes Technical College
  • Mandan Public Schools

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