College & Career Readiness Newsletter

September 2025

This newsletter will be disseminated monthly to ensure North Dakota’s educators and career readiness leaders stay informed with the latest resources, opportunities, and updates, to provide strong support for students on their path to college and career success.

College Application Month Kicks Off This October

Seniors from 148 North Dakota high schools will participate in College Application Month (CAM) this October. The goal of this initiative is to increase the number of first-generation and low-income students pursuing a college degree or other higher education credential. CAM events give students a dedicated time and place to apply to the schools they’re interested in and begin strategizing with their parents on how they’ll pay for education beyond high school. Additionally, when students apply to a North Dakota college or university during their school’s event, Bank of North Dakota will pay for one $35 application fee per student.

To learn more, click here.

A monthly feature in this newsletter will be to share innovative practices happening in our North Dakota schools. Do you have a creative practice that’s making a difference in college and career readiness? Email us at dpiasstsupt@nd.gov, and your story could be featured in an upcoming issue!

Discovering What’s Possible: Inside the Bismarck Public Schools Job Shadow Program

The largest district in North Dakota, Bismarck Public Schools (BPS), is committed to helping students graduate with purpose and a plan. With resources and programming through career services out of the BPS Career Academy, students have access to meaningful, hands-on, career-connected learning experiences that enhance exploration and supplement future planning. One of the most impactful opportunities available to students in high school is job shadowing, a powerful way to explore career interests and gain first-hand insight into life beyond the classroom.

Job shadowing, a short-term experiential learning opportunity, gives students the chance to step out of the classroom and into industry. By spending time observing a professional within the workplace, students gain a better understanding of a career—day-to-day responsibilities, required skills, education, and work environment.

Through the Bismarck Public Schools Job Shadow Program, students:

• Explore career pathways and occupations of interest
• Discover what jobs are a good fit for their interests, abilities, and values
• Understand the skills and education needed for various roles
• Make informed decisions about life after graduation

Within BPS, students wishing to learn more about job shadowing connect with their career advisor. BPS Career advisors work with students to discuss their interests, research companies within the community, and connect with industry regarding opportunities. Students are prepared for their experiences through individualized orientation sessions. These learners receive personalized experiences at a variety of host sites, supported by a comprehensive toolkit with scripts, questions, and prompts to guide their learning. During the job shadow, employers evaluate students on key career ready practices, and afterward, student's complete reflections to capture their insights and growth from the experience. 

To learn more about the BPS Job Shadow Program and other experiential learning opportunities within the district, connect with the BPS Career Services Team or contact the Career Academy at (701) 323-4340.

Northern Cass Champions Career Exploration Through Real-World Learning

At Northern Cass School, we believe every learner can change the world. Therefore, we are committed to providing a world-class education. Our goal is to empower learners to navigate their futures with confidence. Through the North Dakota Choice Ready framework, we aim to equip high school graduates with the essential skills needed for post-secondary education, the workforce, or military service. A key component of this initiative is fostering meaningful career exploration, enabling learners to discover their passions and develop a clear path forward.

To achieve this, we have implemented numerous opportunities for learners to explore various careers. It is now a graduation requirement for learners to complete four job shadows or two job shadows paired with a work-based learning internship. These experiences offer learners firsthand exposure to different professions and insights into workplace environments.

Additionally, we promote career exploration through our studio model. In this setting, learners have the opportunity to complete project-based learning with a learning coach. During these experiences, learners incorporate subject-related standards into real-world contexts, further facilitating career exploration. These classes provide a dynamic environment where learners can connect classroom learning to their career interests, making education both relevant and engaging.

Career exploration is also supported at Northern Cass through North Dakota Century Code 15.1-07-35. This legislation empowers school districts to develop policies that allow learners to earn course credits through approved "educational opportunities" with sponsoring organizations. It enables more learners statewide to benefit from hands-on, real-world learning, fostering skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

We believe the true magic happens when all these experiences come together to support career exploration. A wonderful example of this is senior Jennaya:

Jennaya’s journey began with showing cattle through her 4-H club. This experience not only deepened her understanding of agriculture but also helped her develop 21st-century skills such as accountability, communication, and adaptability. Her dedication and hard work earned her an Agricultural Community Development credit. Jennaya has taken her career exploration to the next level by participating in a work-based learning experience on a hobby farm, where she manages small farm animals and crops.

"My internship and 4-H have both been great experiences to learn more about the animal side of agriculture," Jennaya shares. "They helped me choose my career as a Livestock Farmer because I love working with animals. Every animal has a different personality, which makes working with them a fun challenge. I want to be a Livestock Farmer, and I plan to make that happen by continuing in the business my internship introduced me to, earning a business degree in college, and never giving up on my dream job."

BND's Smart With My Money: $1,500 Scholarship Opportunity 

North Dakota high school seniors and college students can enter for a chance to win a $1,500 scholarship by taking the free Money Personality Quiz.

• Quiz Opens: Oct. 1, 2025

• Entry Deadline: Oct. 31, 2025

It’s quick, fun, and helps students understand their money habits while earning a shot at extra college cash. Learn more and take the quiz at Bank of North Dakota’s College SAVE Challenge.

For questions, contact Lance Hill, BND’s Education Outreach and Financial Literacy Coordinator, at (701) 328-5619.

NDUS Dual Credit Tuition Scholarship

This scholarship rewards college students for taking dual-credit coursework as high school students. To qualify, students must meet five criteria, complete an application with the North Dakota University System (NDUS), and provide all supporting documentation. NDUS will award the Dual-Credit Tuition Scholarship throughout the academic year. The one-time scholarship award amounts are $250 for one dual credit class, $500 for two dual credit classes, and $750 for three or more dual credit classes.

This scholarship may be used for post-secondary enrollment at any North Dakota state public, private, tribal, or proprietary institution.

Students can apply by logging into the ND SAMS portal and selecting the Dual Credit Tuition Scholarship application.

Using Lexile and Quantile Scores for Career Planning

North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) is expanding its partnership with MetaMetrics to include the MetaMetrics Growth Planner—a tool that helps students understand the reading and math demands of various careers.

Integrated into the RUReady platform, this feature will display a student’s current and recommended Lexile and Quantile (LQ) scores for selected careers, along with key information such as:

• Average salary
• Required education
• Job outlook
• LQ expectation zones
• Projected and recommended growth

NDDPI and MetaMetrics recently presented this initiative at a national conference to showcase this exciting new feature with other states. View the  PowerPoint presentation here.

Can You Match Careers to Reading & Math Levels?

Discover how Lexile and Quantile measures connect learning to careers!

Play this quick matching game to see how reading and math levels align with four fast-growing careers. Beyond the game, explore over 700 careers where the reading and math difficulty of entry-level materials are mapped on the Lexile and Quantile scales. Lexile and Quantile measures are the only metrics available to compare the reading and math demands of careers. Through the Lexile & Quantile Career Databases on the Lexile & Quantile Hub, North Dakota educators get free access to state-specific data on salary, projected growth, and job openings. Use your school email to register and start helping students explore career pathways.

North Dakota CTE Work-Based Learning: Bridging Classrooms and Careers

North Dakota Career and Technical Education's (CTE) Work-Based Learning (WBL) is transforming how students prepare for life after high school. By connecting classroom instruction with real-world job experiences, WBL empowers students to explore careers, develop essential skills, and build meaningful relationships with local employers and educators.

WBL is an educational strategy that allows students to earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience in a professional setting. Through internships, sustained work experience, simulated work experience, and apprenticeships, students apply what they learn in CTE classrooms to the work environment.

WBL offers a wide range of benefits for students, helping them explore careers, build essential skills, and prepare for life beyond high school. Students gain valuable insight into various industries, allowing them to make informed decisions about their future education and career paths, fostering both technical and transferrable skill development—such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork—while also boosting confidence and independence.

Employers also benefit significantly from participating in WBL programs. By mentoring students and introducing them to industry standards, businesses play a key role in workforce development and help shape the next generation of skilled professionals. These partnerships often lead to the discovery of promising future employees, creating a strong talent pipeline and reducing recruitment costs. Additionally, engaging with local schools strengthens community ties and supports regional economic growth.

By investing in WBL, North Dakota is not only preparing students for success but also strengthening communities and building a more resilient, skilled workforce for the future.

If you are interested in participating in WBL or becoming a WBL Coordinator, please contact Dawn Ulmer, NDCTE Strategic Project Manager, or visit their website.

How to Use Compass by Golden Path to Support Your Career Exploration 

Did you know Compass can help students with career and postsecondary planning?

The same Compass tool used in the classroom to create a student profile, explore skills and interests, and sign up for work-based learning can also provide a significant advantage in career and college planning!

Accessed through RUReady.ND, Compass matches students with potential employers, careers, colleges, programs—and even sponsorships (tuition reimbursement programs offered in exchange for working with a company). By signing into Compass regularly, even for just a few minutes at a time, students can easily discover the amazing opportunities available to them.

Here are some recommendations for making the most of Compass:

• Mark favorites. Click the “Heart” icon to save favorite employers, career profiles, colleges, and college programs. This makes it easy to keep track of interests and share them with teachers or career advisors.

• Opt in to the matching process. Simply toggle “Yes” to “Connect Me to Employers” in the top right corner of your Compass screen and follow the instructions. Once Golden Path Solutions (the creator of Compass) receives guardian consent, their staff will reach out by email or phone to learn more about the student’s skills and potential career fits. If interested, they can personally introduce students to employers or colleges looking for individuals like them—an excellent option for more guided career exploration.

• Inquire about a specific career, employer, or college program. Students can also give consent for Golden Path to connect them with a specific employer, career profile, or college program. Just click the “Checkmark” next to the item of interest. It’s similar to the matching process above but focused on specific opportunities—perfect for building connections in a particular field.

The team at Golden Path Solutions can’t wait to help connect students to their future. If you have any questions, please contact them here.

Understanding North Dakota's Computer Science and Cybersecurity Requirements in K–12 Education As technology continues to shape every aspect of modern life, North Dakota has taken proactive steps to ensure students are prepared for the digital future. Through recent updates to the North Dakota Century Code (NDCC), computer science and cybersecurity education are now embedded in both school approval criteria and graduation requirements. Integration Plans for K-8 Schools (NDCC 15.1-21-01), click here High School Instruction (NDCC 15.1-21-02), click here Graduation Requirements (NDCC 15.1-21-02.2), click here North Dakota’s legislative priorities reflect a strong commitment to preparing students for a digital world. By requiring integration plans and embedding computer science and cybersecurity into graduation pathways, the state ensures that all students, regardless of school or learning style, gain essential 21st-century skills. School leaders, educators, and families should collaborate to ensure these requirements are met and that students are supported in exploring the exciting fields of technology and cybersecurity.

CREAM Webinar - Tools to Strengthen Skills and Support Choice Ready Goals

On Sept. 24, 2025, educators joined a brief but impactful webinar to learn how the College Ready English and Math (CREAM) program helps high school students strengthen their English and math skills while staying on track for Choice Ready status.

The session covered:

• Which students benefit most from CREAM
• How the program improves academic outcomes
• Available resources and state support
• How CREAM aligns with North Dakota’s Choice Ready goals

Click here to view a short video covering these CREAM topics.

This webinar was ideal for schools new to CREAM or looking to enhance their college readiness strategies. A recording of the webinar will be available in the October College & Career Readiness newsletter. 

Adult Education: A Pathway to Brighter Futures in North Dakota

For thousands of North Dakotans, adult education is a powerful second chance. Offered at no cost to learners 16 and older, the state’s Adult Learning Centers provide GED prep, English language instruction, and career readiness support. With over 3,500 participants last year and a top five national GED pass rate, these programs are transforming lives and strengthening communities.

Read the full article to learn how adult education is changing North Dakota’s workforce.

For more information about Adult Education programs in North Dakota, visit the Adult Education & GED webpage or call (701) 328-2393.

Applications Open for Aspirations in Computing High School Award

Applications are open through Oct. 28, 2025, for the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) High School Award. 

This award honors 9-12 grade students in the AiC community for their computing-related achievements and interests and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, persistence, and future plans.

To learn more, visit the Aspirations in Computing website and to apply, click here.

Grants Distributed for Workforce Education Innovation Fund

The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) has awarded grants to institutions across the North Dakota University System (NDUS). These grants are part of the Workforce Education Innovation Fund (WEIF), established by the 68th Legislative Assembly in 2023. WEIF was created to give NDUS institutions resources to create and bolster educational programs that help sustain and grow the state’s workforce.

Awardees can use funds for curriculum development, equipment and technology purchases, facility modifications and equipment installation, hiring and training new and existing instructors, program promotion and partnership enhancement with other post-secondary schools.

Click here, to learn more. To see how and where the funds were distributed, click here under "other reports."

Northern Valley Career Expo Returns for 13th Year

On Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, over 2,100 10th-grade students from more than 55 school districts across Northwest Minnesota and Northeast North Dakota will gather at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks for the 2025 Northern Valley Career Expo (NVCE). This hands-on event connects students with high-wage, in-demand careers through interactive exhibits and classroom-style sessions led by industry professionals. With over 20,000 students served since its launch, NVCE continues to inspire the region’s future workforce.

Spring 2025 ND A+ Summative Assessment Results Coming Soon

The 2025 ND A+ Summative Assessment results, including Individual Student Reports (ISRs), will be released soon. These assessments measure student performance in English Language Arts, math (Grades 3–8, 10) and science (Grades 4, 8, 10), aligned to North Dakota’s academic standards.

ISRs provide detailed insights into each student’s performance, including scale scores, performance levels, reporting categories, and Lexile/Quantile measures. These reports are valuable tools for educators, students, and families to support academic growth.

Districts and schools are responsible for distributing ISRs to families. A family letter is available to support communication.

Accessing ISRs in ADAM:
Log in via LaunchPad, select ADAM, go to Reporting > Performance then select ND A+ Summative Spring 25. From there users can view, export, and explore student-level data.

Need help? User guides and resources are available in the ND A + Portal under Summative Resources > User Guides.

New Dual-Credit Partnership with ASU to Expand College-Course Opportunities for High School Students

The North Dakota Center for Distance Education (NDCDE) has partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to provide North Dakota high school students access to nearly 30 on-demand, online college courses taught by ASU’s world-class faculty.

The program, part of Accelerate ASU Dual Enrollment, officially launches Sept. 19, 2025, giving students the opportunity to start courses at any time after this date and complete them within one year.

Program Highlights

• Dual credit opportunity: Students who pass ASU’s Universal Learner Courses will earn high school credit through NDCDE. With a grade of “C” or higher, students may choose to have ASU credit transcribed, offering a low-risk way to try college-level coursework.
• Cost: $250 per course.
• Flexible format: Students can start any time after Sept. 19 and have up to one year to complete the course.
• Enrollment is accessible: No transcript or separate college application is required.

Support & Course Topics

When registering for courses, parents will need to designate a learning coach (preferably someone outside the immediate household or a school staff member if the course is during school hours) to help stay on track. Parents and learning coaches can monitor progress via the ASU learning system. Families whose children are enrolled in a North Dakota school will also need to work with their school to complete a dual credit authorization form to ensure students meet all the requirements in NDCC Ch. 15.1-25.

Courses include common general education requirements such as College Algebra, American Government, U.S. History, Psychology, Anatomy & Physiology, Intro to Programming, and more—all taught by ASU faculty who bring real-world perspective and expertise.

Credit Transferability

Students and families considering this dual credit opportunity are first encouraged to connect with their school counselors and with admissions offices of their intended college/university to understand if and how ASU credits will count toward degree requirements.

About Arizona State University

ASU, ranked the No. 1 “Most Innovative School” in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 10 years in succession, has forged the model for a New American University by operating on principles that learning is personal and original, that students thrive on experience, and that discovery cannot be bound by traditional academic discipline. Through innovation and a commitment to accessibility, ASU has drawn pioneering researchers to its faculty even as it expands opportunities for qualified students.

To Get Started

All courses available through this program are posted in the NDCDE store, just click on dual credit, ASU, to get started. The process for purchasing them is the same as for all other NDCDE courses.

Choice Ready Report Deadline Extension

The deadline for schools to submit their Choice Ready report each year is June 30. In past years, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) then calculated the Choice Ready results for the release of the School Accountability Reports, which typically were released in mid-August. Since the inception of Choice Ready, schools have never been able to make changes to their report after the June 30 deadline. 

This year, the School Accountability Reports will be later than usual due to the first implementation of the new ND A+ assessment. NDDPI anticipates releasing the preliminary School Accountability Reports in late October 2025.

Due to this unique situation, NDDPI provided a one-time opportunity for schools to revise their Choice Ready report if an error was found. 

Schools had from Sept. 10-19, 2025, to revise their report. All Choice Ready reports were locked on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

The revised Choice Ready results will now be calculated and released in conjunction with the official accountability release in November 2025.

Minor Adjustments Coming to Choice Ready Framework

The statewide Choice Ready Subcommittee, comprised of a broad group of stakeholders, continues to meet periodically to ensure our framework remains a living, breathing plan that reflects the state’s current needs.

The committee met late last spring and voted to make some minor adjustments to the framework. These recommendations will now be presented to the full ESSA committee on Oct. 14, 2025. We will share any updates approved by the ESSA committee in the October newsletter.