Grant is part of more than $62.5 million given to first responder organizations across the U.S. by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation

The past year and a half have been difficult for many, impacting first responders and communities across the country. As we continue to battle health crises and natural disasters, front-line heroes constantly expose themselves to dangerous situations, creating a need for updated lifesaving equipment.

Recognizing this need, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® continues to be a valuable resource for first responders across the nation and recently provided a $32,722 grant to North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) Alumni Foundation for NDSCS Police. The funding will be applied toward the purchase of eight portable radios and accessories which will be used to ensure greater lifesaving capabilities for first responders in the community.

“We are grateful to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and our local Firehouse Subs in Fargo for awarding us this grant,” said Whitney Link, Lieutenant at NDSCS. “By providing these state-of-the-art portable radios and accessories, our police officers will be able to better communicate with partnering agencies and help the people of Wahpeton during emergency situations, especially during the upcoming holiday season.

During the most recent grant cycle, the Foundation awarded 126 grants to public safety organizations nationwide. The 126 grants totaling nearly $2.7 million were given to organizations in need of critical lifesaving equipment and resources.

To donate and learn more about Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, visit FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.

Fall enrollment numbers are now official at the North Dakota State College of Science. Total student enrollment is 2,802, which includes Wahpeton, Fargo, Online and Early Entry students.

The College saw an increase in the total number of credits in which students are enrolled, while the official headcount is a decrease of about 1% when compared to the fall 2020 enrollment of 2,829.

“We continue to see students coming to us because of the full college experience we offer,” said NDSCS President John Richman. “NDSCS continuously makes adjustments to fulfill our mission by providing our students the opportunity to learn in the mode that best fits their needs – including while in high school.”

New students to NDSCS (part-time, full-time, transfer) students increased 2.8% from Fall 2020. There was a slight decrease in the number of students taking classes face-to-face at the NDSCS Wahpeton location; however, the percentage of students living on campus increased 3.6% with 869 students living in a residence hall or campus apartment.

The enrollment data shows 907 students taking early entry courses, a 4.9% increase over 2020. An additional 462 students are taking classes at multiple NDSCS locations, or through a combination of in-person and online instruction, a 1.9% increase from 2020.

Students from North Dakota comprise 70% of NDSCS enrollment, with 47 of the state’s 53 counties represented.

The NDSCS Division for Workforce Affairs, in conjunction with TrainND Southeast, has partnered with Microsoft to offer UpskillingND to support job seekers looking to build their skills for in-demand careers. UpskillingND utilizes self-paced virtual curriculum to learn new technology skills for in-demand jobs and earn certifications. This program provides a flexible learning experience for individuals looking to change their career path or want to enhance their skills, including individuals who have been displaced or are facing barriers to employment due to COVID-19. The five-week program is available at no cost to participants and starts October 18, 2021 and ends November 23, 2021.

UpskillingND participants work at their own pace through the five-week curriculum. In addition to the virtual training sessions, group and individual meetings with mentors are provided, and customized workshops with industry experts are offered. Participants will have access to the following: self-paced virtual curriculum from LinkedIn Learning to gain skills enabling participants to earn certifications and badges; one-on-one support from experienced coaches, support with interview skills and resumé writing; support from a network of peers; connections to local companies seeking employees with these skills.

“UpskillingND is an opportunity for individuals to better themselves,” said UpskillingND Coach Sanchez-Dekarske. “I would encourage anyone, at any facet in their career, to consider this program. It can be a new beginning to refresh on things you already know and learn new skills to open up your world.”

“Often times people feel this program is too good to be true, says TrainND Program Manager Mary Beth Burns. “Due to generous donations from our business partners, this program is offered to participants at no cost.”

Interested individuals must complete a brief online application by Friday, October 15. The application form and additional information is available online at NDSCS.edu/UpskillingND.