07 Aug SBHE distributes education grants for workforce development innovation
BISMARCK, N.D. – To enhance educational programs and prepare skilled professionals for North Dakota’s workforce, the State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) recently awarded and dispersed grants across the North Dakota University System’s institutions. The grants were made available through the Workforce Education Innovation Fund (WEIF), which was established during North Dakota’s 68th Legislative Assembly in 2023.
Originally introduced by the late Rep. Cynthia “Cindy” Schreiber-Beck, former vice chair of the House Education Committee, the fund was appropriated $10 million by the legislature during the 2025-27 session.
The 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.
“We want to thank our legislators for their generosity in making these grants available, as well as their foresight in developing solutions to address skill gaps identified by employers in North Dakota,” said SBHE Chair Kevin Black. “This funding will ensure our institutions can continue to be responsive to workforce and industry needs and will allow them to provide the innovative, high-quality education our students and employers require.”
The NDUS’s four regional universities and five community colleges were eligible to apply for WEIF grants. Of the more than 20 applications submitted, several sought support for programs in healthcare, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, mechatronics engineering, construction management, fire science and aviation maintenance technology.
“This funding is a significant investment in North Dakota’s future. As key industries, such as agriculture, energy, unmanned aerial systems and cyber sciences evolve, we need to make sure our students have the skills necessary for their future careers,” said NDUS Interim Chancellor Brent Sanford. “In turn, employers in the state need to know that when they recruit newly graduated students from our higher education system into their companies, they will have creative, capable and resourceful employees.”
The SBHE established a Workforce Innovation Education Fund Committee to consider and approve grant applications. The group was chaired by SBHE Vice Chair D.J. Campbell. Black also was on the committee, along with representatives across state agencies, including Pat Bertagnolli, of Job Service North Dakota; Katie Ralston Howe, of the North Dakota Department of Commerce; Wayde Sick, of the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education; Al Dohrmann, of the North Dakota Governor’s Office; Arik Spencer, of the Greater North Dakota Chamber; and David Krebsbach, of the NDUS.
The WEIF Committee scored and ranked programs using several metrics. Some of the criteria included program efficacy, potential to establish partnerships, uniqueness, agility and sustainability.