Continuing your education is possible in Bismarck-Mandan.

Bismarck State College is North Dakota’s Polytechnic Institution. The two-year community college offers various educational opportunities with more than 100 career pathways with technical and transfer degrees, corporate and continuing education and workforce training. Its quality programming was recognized by the Aspen Institute with the 2021 Aspen Prize, given to the Top 150 community colleges in the country. It is home to the National Energy Center of Excellence, known for ​​nationally recognized energy programs, continuing education division and administration. BSC unveiled its Great Plains Promise last week, a groundbreaking initiative offering free tuition for eligible BSC first-year and transfer students enrolling for fall 2024. The waiver program aims to remove financial barriers and empower students to pursue higher education to acquire the skills necessary to thrive in the workforce.

Since its inception in 1959, the University of Mary has been committed to educating students in the Catholic Benedictine tradition. With nearly 60 undergraduate majors and numerous master's and doctoral degrees in high-demand career fields, its graduates can be professional leaders and community servant leaders.

United Tribes Technical College is a small campus outside Bismarck dedicated to quality education, a focus on nature and a connection to a strong sense of community. It offers various educational opportunities to fit numerous needs, like certificates, diplomas, Associate of Applied Science Degrees, Associate of Science Degrees and Bachelor’s Degrees.

Multiple regional programs and initiatives complement the educational institutions expertly, focusing on delivering opportunities for individuals to make the connection necessary to get on their desired path.

The Bismarck Public Schools Career Academy & Technical Center allows more than 1,400 students to enroll in courses each year that gives them valuable experience and insight into high-demand career pathways. The Career Academy covers Agriculture, Aviation, Electronics, Graphic Design/Digital Art/Photography, Healthcare, IT and Technology Education & Engineering. The Technical Center provides students courses in Auto Collision, Automotive Technology, Carpentry and Welding. Students have access to internships across all these disciplines with local employers.

Student Job Shadow Week

Register to host students during Job Shadow Week 2023

Job shadows are experiential work opportunities where a student shadows a professional in the field they’re interested in for two or four blocks. They present a low-risk, high-reward strategy to allow students to quickly confirm whether their chosen shadow experience is a field they want to pursue.

Each February, the Chamber EDC facilitates Job Shadow Week across Bismarck-Mandan to promote job shadows. Area employers are encouraged to offer job shadow opportunities that will be promoted to high school and college students to experience that week.

In addition, Chamber EDC Staff are happy to help facilitate job shadows for area students throughout the year. Whether it’s during Job Shadow Week or another time, our members are always open to hosting students.

Email Chamber EDC Workforce Development Specialist Mary Kempenich to learn more or call (701) 223-5660.

Educator Experience

In addition to promoting career awareness to area students with the annual Student Job Shadow Week, the Chamber EDC also seeks to provide area educators with experiential learning opportunities through the yearly Educator Experience program. After all, along with parents and counselors, our educators aid in developing our students’ career paths.

The Educator Experience program places 20 educators in a week-long series of experiential learning sessions with area employers to educate them on the career opportunities available in Bismarck-Mandan’s most in-demand trades and occupations.

Providing our area teachers with hands-on career experience prepares them to bring that understanding into the classroom to provide their students with insight into the career paths that best fit their interests and skill sets. It’s a win-win as our employers showcase their industries and our educators gain access to in-demand work experiences.

Email Chamber EDC Workforce Development Specialist Mary Kempenich to learn more or call (701) 223-5660.

RUReady.ND.gov is North Dakota’s premier education and career planning resource. A North Dakota’s Career and Technical Education department initiative, RUReady.ND.gov has expert planning services and resources for youth and adults.

The Bank of North Dakota offers an online College Handbook with information for students – middle school, high school, college, and non-traditional – and parents, guardians and grandparents. You can explore occupations, learn about careers you may not have been aware of and research programs to pay or save for college.

The Youth & Careers section of the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Workforce Development website offers resources for those interested in learning more about the careers and opportunities in North Dakota. Bismarck-Mandan’s employers are seeking team members of all skill levels and you’ll find many opportunities to start your career.