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College & Career Readiness Newsletter March 2026
This newsletter will be published monthly to keep North Dakota’s educators and career readiness leaders informed about the latest resources, opportunities, and updates—ensuring strong support for students on their path to college and career success.
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College & Career Readiness News in North Dakota
North Dakota continues to implement a range of initiatives to strengthen college and career readiness for students from middle school through higher education. These efforts are coordinated by state agencies, schools, and higher education institutions to ensure students graduate prepared for postsecondary education, the workforce, or military service.
A key strategy is the use of career exploration and planning tools. Through the RUReady.nd.gov platform, students have access to the Compass career guidance system, which helps them create four‑year academic plans, explore career pathways, and connect with employers for internships and work‑based learning opportunities. The platform uses student interests and coursework to recommend potential careers and educational programs, aligning education with workforce needs.
North Dakota also emphasizes work‑based learning and career and technical education (CTE). Programs across the state provide internships, simulated work environments, and industry partnerships that allow students to gain real‑world experience while earning academic credit. These experiences help students build transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving, while strengthening connections between schools and local employers.
Additional initiatives expand readiness opportunities in specific fields. For example, the military preparation program offers coursework and leadership training for students interested in military careers, while statewide computer science and cybersecurity initiatives introduce students to technology pathways and industry certifications.
Together, these initiatives reflect North Dakota's commitment to aligning education with workforce needs, expanding career exploration, and ensuring students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed for successful futures.
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Scholarship Opportunity: EducateND
Educators returning to school or pursuing an advanced education degree, as well as college students working toward an education degree, are eligible to apply for a $2,000 EducateND Scholarship through North Dakota Dollars for Scholars. This scholarship is available to students who have a 2.75 GPA or higher and will be a junior, senior, or graduate student. Applicants must also be accepted into an education program at a North Dakota institution.
North Dakota Dollars for Scholars will award up to 50 EducateND Scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year. This scholarship is one of many offered through state, local, and national Dollars for Scholars chapters. Students can apply by creating a profile and logging in to the North Dakota Dollars for Scholars website. The application period closes April 1, 2026.
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Complete the FAFSA Today
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in securing financial aid for college. According to the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), North Dakota currently ranks 49th in the nation for FAFSA completion, with only 33.5% of high school seniors submitting the form.
Even if a family has not qualified for need-based aid in the past, recent changes to asset reporting may impact eligibility for federal grants, work-study programs, and student loans. In North Dakota, completing the FAFSA is also required for consideration for the North Dakota State Grant. The average FAFSA takes only 15 minutes to complete.
To learn more, view BND’s FAFSA Playlist and visit studentaid.gov to submit the application.
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Spring Career Professional In‑Service Events Across North Dakota
North Dakota Career & Technical Education’s (NDCTE) Career Resource Network is hosting free Career Professional In‑Services at six locations this spring.
What You'll Gain:
Who Should Attend:
- Career Development Counselors
- Career Advisors
- Work‑Based Learning Coordinators
- Teachers
- Administrators
- Anyone involved in helping students make informed career decisions
Dates & Locations:
- Bismarck–April 14
- Dickinson–April 16
- Williston–April 22
- Minot–April 23
- Grand Forks–May 5
If you have any questions, contact Laura Glasser, NDCTE Career Resource Manager at (701) 328-9733.
Boost Your Students' ASVAB Scores and Expand Their Military Career Options
Students across North Dakota are improving their ASVAB scores—and expanding future military career opportunities—through the North Dakota Center for Distance Education’s ASVAB Essentials: Skills for Military Success course. The course helps students prepare for the ASVAB by strengthening key tested areas such as reading, math, science, mechanical concepts, and electronics.
Early results show many students raising their scores, opening the door to more military career and training opportunities after graduation. The course is currently available for just $20, making it an affordable way for students to prepare and take the next step toward a potential military career.
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BSC and VCSU Launch Collaborative Degree to Address Teacher Shortage
Bismarck State College (BSC) and Valley City State University (VCSU) have introduced a new four‑year collaborative teaching degree aimed at addressing North Dakota’s ongoing teacher shortage. This innovative program allows students to remain on the BSC campus while earning dual degrees: a Bachelor of Applied Science in Foundations of Teaching from BSC and a Bachelor of Science in Education from VCSU. Students complete coursework from both institutions each semester and receive full access to BSC’s advising, tutoring, and financial aid services. With 28 students already enrolled, the partnership strengthens the region’s teacher pipeline by combining BSC’s student‑centered approach with VCSU’s long-standing expertise in educator preparation.
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Save Students Time and Money with the CREAM Program
The College Ready English and Math (CREAM) program helps high school students avoid costly remedial courses and start college prepared for credit‑bearing English and math. Students complete a diagnostic pretest and personalized online modules, improving from an average score of 47% to 84%. With an 85% completion rate, most earn a certificate accepted across the North Dakota University System as meeting remedial requirements, allowing them to enroll directly in Composition 110/120 or College Algebra.
CREAM is fully online, easy for schools to implement, and can be facilitated by existing staff. It also counts toward high school graduation requirements, and early completers may enroll in dual‑credit English 110 or College Algebra. Program fees are covered by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI), with stipends available for facilitators.
To learn more, visit the CREAM webpage or contact Harmony Richman or Davonne Eldredge.
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College Board Launches Advanced Placement Hub for North Dakota Educators
The College Board has introduced a new North Dakota AP Resource Hub designed specifically for educators, counselors, and school administrators. This centralized platform provides clear, accessible information about Advanced Placement (AP) courses and their academic and college‑readiness benefits.
The hub includes a comprehensive calendar of key deadlines, step‑by‑step guidance for AP program administration, and curated tools to support both teachers and students. It also highlights newly released AP courses aligned with North Dakota state standards, helping schools explore offerings, engage families, and make informed decisions about expanding their AP programs.
Whether you’re strengthening existing AP pathways or launching new ones, the North Dakota AP Resource Hub serves as a valuable planning and communication tool.
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Help Students Discover Employers with Compass Filters
Compass matches students with employers that fit their skills and interests, but many students also want to explore opportunities on their own. Compass filters make it easy for them to browse employers by location, internships, industry, and more—helping them discover career options and understand who is interested in connecting with them.
Here’s how students can use employer filters in RUReadyND:
- Log in to RUReady.ND.gov through the ND Education Portal.
- Launch Compass by selecting Go to Your Compass Profile > Opportunities > Employers.
- Review employers marked as “Best Match,” which appear at the top of the list, and select View Profile to learn more.
- Select Filter to adjust options such as Distance (sliding bar), Industry (18 choices), Location, Career Cluster (13 categories), Size (1–250+ employees), Favorites, and Fit (Best or Great matches).
- For more specific searches, students can filter by Opportunities Available (work-based learning, Career Profiles, events) or Connection Options (career fairs, job shadows, apprenticeships, internships, mentoring).
- Any combination of filters can be used for customized results.
- For each employer, students can View Profile, click the Heart to save as a favorite, or use the Checkmark to indicate interest.
Encourage students to explore Compass filters to find employers they want to connect with. For more information, contact Golden Path Solutions.
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 XR for VR Immersive Reality Room Opens at BSC
Gov. Armstrong, ND Assistive, and other partners recently celebrated the opening of Bismarck State College’s XR for VR Immersive Reality Room. Watch the KX News segment here. This is the first of nine immersive rooms being installed statewide as part of the XR for VR initiative.
The project aims to expand workforce opportunities for North Dakotans with disabilities, especially in high‑demand industries such as manufacturing. Using immersive content from partner CareerViewXR, participants can explore real workplace environments and build confidence. Individualized supports—such as coaching, goal‑setting, and assistive technology—are available at no cost for residents of all ages with disabilities. Learn how your students can receive support here.
Paraprofessional Training Project
NDDPI’s Office of Specially Designed Instruction has launched the Paraprofessional Training Project to support professional growth for certified Special Education (SPED) Paraprofessionals. Through this initiative, certified SPED Paraprofessionals can receive compensation for completing up to three courses from the Paraprofessional Training Project Catalog.
These courses are designed to enhance existing district training but do not replace the preparation required to earn the Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate. Courses are open to all learners interested in strengthening their skills.
Click to view course listings and Course Reimbursement Application Form.
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 CareerViewXR Recognized for Shaping America’s Future Workforce
CareerViewXR was recently honored with the XR Association’s 2026 Limitless Future Award for Leadership in Immersive Technology. This recognition highlights how the Fargo‑based platform is helping students in North Dakota and nationwide explore high‑demand careers through immersive field trips. With more than 100 experiences featuring real professionals in healthcare, skilled trades, manufacturing, and other industries, CareerViewXR helps educators connect classroom learning with real‑world career pathways.
For North Dakota’s CTE community, this national spotlight reinforces the state’s leadership in innovative career awareness. Every K–12 student in North Dakota can access CareerViewXR at no cost through RUReady.ND.gov. Learn more here.
North Dakota Scholarship Updates
Applications for the $6,000 North Dakota Scholarship for Class of 2026 seniors are now open, and will remain open until Friday, June 5, 2026. Students can complete the application here. For more information visit the NDDPI Scholarship website.
For questions contact Jim Upgren at (701) 328-2244.
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North Dakota Leads in Preparing Students
for the Future
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Operation Intern Program
The Operation Intern Program is a statewide grant that provides up to $5,000 in matching funds to businesses to create internships and apprenticeships in industries such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and technology. The program is managed by the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Workforce Development Division.
Choice Ready Framework
The Choice Ready Framework ensures graduates are prepared for post‑secondary education, the workforce, or military service.
Three-Year Bachelor’s Programs
The State Board of Higher Education has approved several three-year bachelor’s degrees in applied science fields such as finance and exercise science. Public universities may begin piloting these reduced credit pathways in fall 2026.
Mulitple Career Exploration Programs
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MetaMetrics: Lexile and Quantile scores linked to 600+ careers to support exploration.
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Next Chapter (NDSU/4-H): Beginning in 8th grade, students build college and career knowledge, visit campuses, and participate in career focused activities.
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CareerViewXR: Statewide access to virtual reality career exploration for K–12 students.
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Dual Credit Opportunities
Numerous partnerships allow students in grades 10–12 to earn college credits online during the summer and academic year through multiple dual credit options.
Work-based Learning Programs
High school students can earn credit while working with local businesses, developing key career‑ready skills such as communication, teamwork, problem‑solving, and professionalism. Through NDCTE's Work-based Learning.
Strong CTE Program
The state works with educators and industry partners to create hands on learning experiences, career exploration activities, and workplace opportunities tied to academic coursework. NDCTE offers 14 high-demand career clusters, each with structured pathways and credential options.
Career Exploration Platform for Students
RUReady.ND.gov is a statewide digital platform that helps students explore career pathways, set education goals, and connect with employers offering job shadows, internships, and work experiences. It also provides career assessments, high school roadmaps, financial aid guidance, and test preparation resources.
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Choice Ready Subcommittee Meeting Held
The Choice Ready Subcommittee, established in 2017, continues to meet three times a year to ensure the framework remains current and aligned with student needs. The group met on March 19, 2026, and reviewed a full agenda of updates.
Recommendations related to the military pathway, AVID, and Choice Ready graduation recognition will be presented to the ESSA Committee on April 20, 2026. Following their review, updates will be shared with the field.
Updated Choice Ready Resources
The following resource has been updated and posted to the NDDPI website.
Choice Ready Report
The Choice Ready report for the 2025–26 school year has been open all year, and school personnel should be actively working on completing it. The final submission deadline is June 30, 2026, and the report is available in the EdPortal.
It is essential that every public high school in North Dakota complete and submit a Choice Ready report to earn points in the accountability system. The Choice Ready indicator accounts for 21% of the overall accountability report and is worth 129 points.
Please ensure your Choice Ready report is submitted by the deadline so your school receives credit for its Choice Ready students.
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