North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is proud to announce its recent recognition as the Best Community College in North Dakota for 2024 by Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for program rankings and higher education planning.

Intelligent.com, known for its comprehensive institutional rankings, employs a unique methodology that distinguishes it from traditional rating systems. These rankings serve as the gold standard for academic evaluations, particularly for online and hybrid programs. Institutions are meticulously evaluated across six categories and scored on a scale from 0 to 100. The assessment criteria include academic quality, graduation rates, cost-effectiveness, return on investment (ROI), and the availability of student resources. The final rankings highlight institutions that are highly-regarded, affordable, and equipped with the tools and resources needed for students to excel in their chosen fields.

NDSCS's top ranking as the Best Community College in North Dakota reflects its commitment to providing high-quality education and support to its students. Community colleges are recognized for their pivotal role in higher education, offering cost-effective pathways to valuable associate degrees and other qualifications that can lead to lifelong benefits.

The recognition by Intelligent.com underscores NDSCS's dedication to delivering a valuable educational experience to its students and further solidifies its reputation as a leading institution in North Dakota.

For more information about North Dakota State College of Science and its programs, please visit NDSCS.edu.

Bailey Adams, a 2022 NDSCS Business Management graduate, is thriving in small-town living and is making a significant impact on her community. The journey to her career, through her education at NDSCS, is unique and is marked by her flexibility and willingness to adapt. During her junior year in high school, Bailey was uncertain about her future and considered joining the military as a potential path forward.

During her senior year in high school, with no concrete college plans after graduation, she registered for the North Dakota Air National Guard. Bailey graduated from Richland 44 high school in 2019.

Basic training for the military wasn't scheduled until the following spring, so Bailey took the opportunity to enroll at NDSCS, during opening weekend in the Fall of 2019. The college's flexibility for late enrollment allowed her to participate in general education courses during that fall semester.

As the Spring of 2020 arrived, Bailey was called away for basic training and specific job training with the military, and was there from March to November, 2020. As she awaited her next military assignment, Bailey decided to enroll for the spring 2021 semester, this time choosing to study Business Management.

During her two years at NDSCS, Bailey formed lasting friendships and participated in campus life, attending athletic competitions and student events. Throughout her time in the Business Management program, Bailey found even more opportunity for her future.

Rebecca Undem, a public speaker and founder of Growing Small Towns, visited NDSCS to deliver a presentation to one of Bailey's classes. Growing Small Towns is a non-profit organization in Oakes, ND, dedicated to helping small towns thrive by facilitating partnerships between local non-profits and larger corporations, helps entrepreneurs start and scale their businesses, and hosts gathering space for various sized meetings and events. Inspired by the presentation and cooperative work on a project for the Oakes community, Bailey secured an internship for Fall 2022.

While in her internship, Bailey contributed to Growing Small Towns in various capacities, from managing social media marketing to updating the company's website. Prior to Bailey’s graduation from NDSCS in December 2022, Rebecca offered her a full-time position, and a more significant role within the organization.

Today, Bailey is an essential part of Growing Small Towns, involved in event planning and coordination, building management, invoicing, and much more. Her role allows her to engage in activities that enrich local communities, from planning meetings and company parties to co-working rentals and even an upcoming fashion show. Her favorite events have been the annual bus trips that bring people from the Fargo area to explore the hidden treasures of North Dakota's small towns.

Bailey attributes much of her success to her education at NDSCS, specifically highlighting the Quickbooks Accounting and Career Seminar courses that equipped her with important skills for both her personal and professional life. Her journey from uncertainty to making a meaningful impact in her small town serves as an inspiring example of the potential that can be unlocked through determination and higher education.

On Saturday, October 14th, a group of students from the NDSCS Automotive Technology program came together with their instructors, Mr. Pfeiff and Mr. Bitz, for a meaningful volunteer morning at the Fix It Forward Auto Care Center in South Fargo. These students demonstrated the power of community service by using their automotive skills to make a difference.

The Fix It Forward Auto Care Center serves as a place where individuals facing financial hardships can get their vehicles repaired, ensuring they have reliable transportation to work, school, and other essential destinations. Fix It Forward also refurbishes and donates vehicles to people in need.

During their volunteer morning, NDSCS Automotive Technology students rolled up their sleeves and put their skills to good use. They worked on vehicles that would either be donated to individuals in need and did repairs for customers who could not afford them.

Fix It Forward Auto Care relies on the generosity of individuals and organizations to continue its mission. You too can join the cause and "pay it forward" by donating vehicles or labor. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate, helping them overcome transportation barriers and fostering a stronger, more inclusive community. To learn more about Fix It Forward Auto Care and discover how you can help, visit their website at https://fixitforwardministry.com/.