Williston State College has been awarded a $373,701 National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education grant to expand STEM technician training, strengthen rural outreach, and support workforce development in Western North Dakota.
Williston State College has been awarded $373,701 through the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE) program to expand technical education and help prepare more skilled workers for Western North Dakota’s energy and technology industries.
The funded project, “Advanced Technological Education: Developing an Effective Regional Educational Framework for STEM Technician Talent Generation for the Bakken Region,” will expand outreach to rural communities, develop certification opportunities in Electronic & Industrial Controls (E&IC), strengthen training options in areas such as information technology and cybersecurity, and provide professional development opportunities for high school faculty.
“This grant gives Williston State College an opportunity to respond directly to the workforce needs of our region while creating new opportunities for students,” said Dr. Bernell Hirning, President of Williston State College. “By connecting education with the technology being used in today’s energy and industrial environments, we can help prepare students for high-demand careers while strengthening the communities and industries we serve.”
Flexible, Career-Focused Training
A key focus of the project will be creating flexible training options that allow students to build skills step by step. Students will gain experience in areas such as automation, electronics, computer networking, and programming, giving them practical skills that can be used in energy, information technology, and other technical fields.
Expanding Connections with Rural Schools
The project will also strengthen WSC’s connections with rural high schools by helping students learn more about technical career opportunities and by providing training and resources for high school faculty.
As technology continues to play a larger role in the Bakken’s energy industry, employers increasingly need workers who understand automation, electronics, and information technology. This project will help prepare more local students for those careers while supporting the region’s long-term workforce needs.
“This project is about building pathways that work for both our students and our region,” Hirning said. “Students can develop specialized skills that lead directly to employment while also continuing to build on those skills as their education and careers progress.”
The NSF-funded initiative supports Williston State College’s ongoing commitment to providing career-focused education that responds to the workforce and economic needs of Western North Dakota.
About Williston State College
Williston State College is a two-year public college in Williston, North Dakota, offering associate degrees, career and technical programs, certificates, transfer pathways, and access to four-year degree opportunities through university partnerships. WSC prepares students for successful careers and continued education while serving the workforce needs of Western North Dakota and the surrounding region.
End of news release.