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The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded approximately $1.4 million in grant funding to the North Dakota State College of Science, which will impact students interested in STEM careers. The grant is poised to help address retention, graduation, and engagement of students by providing financial, academic, and professional success support which is personalized to each scholarship student.

NDSCS President Rod Flanigan praised the scholarship for the positive impact it will have on students. “NDSCS continues a dedicated focus on student success, ensuring students have the tools necessary to excel in the workforce. Thank you to those at NDSCS who had the vision and passion to dedicate toward this grant. Your continued dedication on student-centric initiatives like this NSF grant make NDSCS a special place for students to learn and grow. What an amazing opportunity to support students and amplify STEM careers in North Dakota and our region. NDSCS is honored to carry out the mission of this grant.“

The Science of Success STEM Scholarship Program will provide scholarships up to $10,000 per year to a minimum of 70 students who are pursuing associates degrees in 11 career and technical programs, and five Liberal Arts Transfer Programs.

“The uniqueness of the scholarship program is our emphasis on supporting CTE students and forming learning cohorts comprised of CTE and Liberal Arts students based on the theme of developing STEM awareness,” said Dr. William Shay, Professor of Chemistry and Physics at NDSCS, and manager of the grant. This grant aims to bolster the statewide and regional in-demand workforce by graduating students who not only possess the technical skills required by industry and universities but will also possess the career-ready skills critical for professional success and understand the importance of their profession to the STEM community.

This is not the first grant from the NSF to NDSCS. The previous S-STEM award provided scholarships from $1,000 to $10,000 per academic year to 88 students during the funding period: 82 students enrolled in Career and Technical Programs, and 6 students enrolled in Liberal Arts Transfer Programs. According to Shay, “Success was documented by retention rates, graduation rates, and academic achievement. The retention rate for first-year scholarship students was 82% with a three-year graduation rate of 67%.”

The project is funded by NSF’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program, which seeks to increase the number of academically talented students with demonstrated financial need who earn degrees in STEM fields.

Scholarship-eligible academic programs include:

• Career and Technical Programs: Architectural Modeling & Design Technology, Electrical Technology, Electrical Master Technician, Industrial Electrical, Information & Communication Technology, Web Developer, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Land Surveying and Estimating Technology, Precision Machining Technology, Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Technology, Welding Technology
• Liberal Arts Transfer Programs: Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics

North Dakota State College of Science fall semester classes will begin Monday, August 22 at 4 p.m. for all students in Wahpeton, Fargo and online. Students who are not yet enrolled for Fall semester can still do so by contacting the Admission office at 701-671-2521.

Opening weekend events in Wahpeton will kick off on Saturday, August 20 when residence halls open for student move-in at 10 a.m. Welcome Week, an annual series of events designed to help students connect to the College community and establish positive and healthy habits, will take place from August 20-27 and will include outdoor evening activities for new and returning students.

These events will include:
• Saturday, August 20, 9 - 11 p.m. – Outdoor Movie on The Oval
• Sunday, August 21, 4 – 7 p.m. – Community Block Party (community is invited, learn more at NDSCS.edu/Block-Party)
                                  9 p.m. – 12 a.m. – Street Dance in Lot 2 north of Old Main with music provided by a D.J.
• Monday, August 22, 7 - 10 p.m. – Glow Games on The Oval with music provided by a D.J.
• Wednesday, August 24, 8 – 10 p.m. – Karaoke and Open Mic Night on The Oval
• Thursday, August 25, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. – Street Dance in Lot 2 north of Old Main with music provided by a D.J.
• Friday, August 26, 7 – 10 p.m. – Laser Tag on The Oval with music provided by a D.J.

Funds are now available through Train ND, a division of North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), to assist North Dakota businesses with costs associated with creating a new or expanded registered apprenticeship programs. Employers are encouraged to visit NDSCS.edu/Apprenticeship to learn more about funding and other support. Funds are available for developing a new apprenticeship model or expanding an existing apprenticeship program to a new industry sector or occupation, population, or meeting needs in a different region or location; these funds were obtained through the Apprenticeship Expansion Grant.

In recent years, governors and state legislatures have recognized apprenticeships as an effective strategy for meeting the needs of businesses, keeping up with a rapidly changing economy, building a skilled workforce, and accelerating growth that leads to economic opportunity for workers and families.

NDSCS Apprenticeship ND Manager, Brian Fuder said, “Expanding apprenticeships will help individuals gain the skills necessary to fill vacancies and help employers find skilled workers more readily. At NDSCS we are here to help and we encourage businesses and industry partners that are considering implementing apprenticeships to reach out for assistance.”