Need Help Paying for College? Looking for Talented Workers? Career Builders Can Help!

Imagine a program where area businesses get help recruiting and retaining talent and students benefit from scholarships, reduced college debt, and a job upon graduation.

That program already exists! And it’s not only changing lives and building communities, but making a significant impact on the North Dakota workforce. 

Developing a Pipeline of Skilled Workers for Devils Lake Businesses

Designed as a win-win for businesses, students, employees and the state of North Dakota, the ND Career Builder’s scholarship and loan repayment program provides $1 of state funds for each $1 of private-sector matching funds, up to a total of $17,000 per recipient.

Recipients can receive a scholarship while they are enrolled in college or trade school (certificate program, associates or bachelors degree), or put the money towards loan repayment once they finish their program, or do a combination of both. 

In exchange, the student agrees to:

• Complete the program of study that the funds were received for. The degree can be earned from both in and out of state institutions 
• Live in North Dakota for three years following the completion of their program
• Work in North Dakota in a qualifying, in-demand occupation for three years following the completion of their program
• Repay scholarship dollars received, including the private-sector matched funds, if the above terms are not met

“These types of programs don’t pop up often, so take advantage of not only the scholarships, but the internships/apprenticeships to gain valuable experience in the industry you’re studying to enter,” said Forward Devils Lake Corporation (FDLC) executive director Brady Ash during a Q&A with NDUS.

Students, to learn more about the Career Builder program and explore eligibility requirements and other relevant details as well as accessing the application form, click here. 

Matching Dollars, Maximum Impact on Devils Lake

Attracting and retaining our talented young people is a cornerstone of the Forward Devils Lake Corporation mission. Career Builders is the perfect complement to that goal, helping businesses recruit our youth, fill the workforce pipeline, and keep more talent in North Dakota.

“It has allowed us to be ‘competitive’ in the workforce world. This opens the door for our students to see that they can work and live in the place they grew up in,” Ash continued in the interview. 

As a partnership between your business and the state, you’re making a positive, lasting impact on the economic vitality of our region by encouraging our talented young people to stay here, fostering a strong, local workforce.

If you're a business who is interested in learning more about Career Builders or donating to the program, click here.