BISMARCK, N.D. - Instructors of dual credit courses in North Dakota have just been given a financial incentive thanks to the state legislature.

Following the authorization of a pilot program offering credit incentive to qualifying instructors earlier this year, funds have now been made available in the form of vouchers from North Dakota University System. These vouchers will be available for dual credit instructors and may be used toward graduate level classes at a public or private postsecondary institution. 

Lisa Johnson, NDUS director of academic affairs, said the vouchers were a great step forward for dual credit courses and instructors. 

"We are grateful to the North Dakota legislature for their support and financial assistance to help ND dual credit instructors attain the educational credentials required to teach dual credit courses in our state," Johnson said. "Dual credit plays an important role in helping the state meet educational attainment goals and particularly those students who choose to pursue a college degree among their choices of college, career, or military preparation." 

The voucher credit can be used to cover the cost of tuition, not to exceed $316.88 per undergraduate credit or $321.84 per graduate credit. Voucher credits earned from the 2016-17 year can only be applied to tuition expenses during the 2017-18 school year.

The application for dual credit instructional voucher can be found by contacting university system at 701.328.4143.

The North Dakota University System is a unified system of higher education governed by the State Board of Higher Education. Organized in 1990, the system includes two research universities, four regional universities and five community colleges.The mission of the State Board of Higher Education and the Chancellor of the North Dakota University System is to unleash the potential of higher education in the state to enhance the quality of life, and the social and economic vitality of all served by its public colleges and universities.