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Jack Johnson, an ambitious 2nd-year Business Management student at NDSCS is already a successful entrepreneur and business owner.

Jack, a Breckenridge, MN high school graduate has always been an active and motivated individual. During his high school years, Jack gained a wealth of experience working with Summerville Electric and Krump Construction, and had community involvement by coaching youth basketball and football teams.

Johnson's entrepreneurial journey took a significant leap forward when he secured an LLC for his venture, Johnson Auto Detailing, in May 2022, shortly before his high school graduation. Over the past two years, Johnson Auto Detailing has been his sole source of income, demonstrating the results of his dedication and hard work.

As a small business owner, Jack's responsibilities include hands-on service of vehicles, marketing, and financial oversight. His efforts have not only accumulated a social media presence of over 900 followers but have also earned his business multiple nominations for the Spark Plug Award and the Chamber of Service Award by the Wahpeton Chamber of Commerce.

Jack's vision is grand—he's not just running a business; he's laying the groundwork for what he aspires to be a business empire. After graduating from high school, and although he was already a business owner, Jack started at NDSCS to increase his knowledge of business management to continue being successful. His decision to enroll at NDSCS in the fall of 2022 was fueled by the affordability of the institution, and his trust with the College. “I know a lot of people who have gone through NDSCS including some of my older peers. They've expressed to me how they have enjoyed their experience as a whole as well as learned a lot about their degree.”

Jack values in his education at NDSCS and has taken several principles from class with him into his work at Johnson Auto Detailing. He specifically credits knowledge he gained during his Sales class, which through various roleplaying exercises, pushed him to get comfortable talking to customers, and prepared him for dealing with people in difficult situations. This class, among others, have helped Jack apply his knowledge and skills to his business. Jack appreciates that faculty at NDSCS finds fun and engaging ways to teach, which keeps the classroom exciting. Jack has been an active student in the NDSCS Business Management program, including being a National qualifier for DECA.

As Jack continues to balance his studies and his growing business, he is proof that with the right education and support, the possibilities are limitless.

After graduating from NDSCS in May with his Business Management degree, Jack plans to continue to own and operate Johnson Auto Detailing. He will use his educational background to grow in his business experience. And with his drive for success and entrepreneurial spirit, it’s clear that Jack has fantastic opportunities and remarkable success ahead of him.

Learn more about Jack at Johnsonautodetailing.net.

The NDSCS Concert Band and Choir will present their final concert of the season on Tuesday, April 16th at 7:30 p.m. in the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton. The concert is free and open to the public.

The choir will present a diverse selection of music including the traditional spiritual “Swing Down Chariot” arranged by Andre J. Thomas, and two pieces by modern composers; “Give us Hope” by Jim Papoulis and “Omnia Sol” by Z. Randall Stroope.

The Concert Band will be playing Elements, by the current composer Brian Balmages, a couple of sea shanties set by Zack Wilson, music from the Pirates of the Caribbean, the New Orleans classic Just a Closer Walk with Thee, and a special feature by a low brass ensemble called Down in the River.

Free admission, a diverse musical program, and an opportunity to support the arts through free will donations — this concert is set to be an evening well spent. Come and enjoy the talent of our NDSCS musicians!

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) proudly announces the receipt of a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), totaling $307,608. This grant earmarks NDSCS as a critical player in expanding the aviation maintenance technology field through a new and robust educational program known as the North Dakota Fly High Career Pathway Program.

With a deep commitment to innovation and education, NDSCS will leverage this grant to develop a comprehensive Associate of Applied Science Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. This initiative not only elevates NDSCS's educational offerings but also forges vital collaborations with local and regional aviation organizations. The program is poised to bolster the workforce with skilled aviation maintenance technicians who are well-versed in the latest industry standards and technologies.

The allocated funds will serve as a cornerstone in facilitating FAA Part 147 Certifications and creating a dynamic learning environment through the establishment of dedicated lab and classroom spaces. With a satellite campus near Hector International Airport in Fargo, NDSCS is positioning itself to become a hub for aviation excellence, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

The North Dakota Fly High Career Pathway Program sets its sights beyond education, offering students a seamless transition into the workforce. By introducing students to the corporate culture of airlines and providing ample networking opportunities, NDSCS ensures its graduates are not only skilled but also highly employable in a competitive market.

This grant is part of a larger FAA initiative distributing $13.5 million across thirty-two schools nationwide, aiming to revitalize the aviation professional pipeline, particularly in the wake of the pandemic's impact on the sector. As one of the twenty schools part of the FAA’s Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development program, NDSCS is at the forefront of addressing the critical shortage of maintenance professionals, signaling a resurgence of growth and opportunity in the industry.

"Receiving this grant is a testament to NDSCS's dedication to advancing aviation technology education," said Dr. Rod Flanigan, NDSCS President. "Developing this program will not only benefit our students but also contribute significantly to the local and regional economy by fulfilling the demand for highly qualified aviation maintenance technicians."

Enrollment for the first cohort of aviation maintenance technicians is slated to begin by the end of this project, marking a new chapter for both NDSCS and the aviation industry at large.

For more information about NDSCS’s aviation programs and other educational offerings, visit NDSCS.edu/Academics.

Fall of 2023 marked the initial launch of the KSCS Wildcat radio network. The newly formed club, on the campus of North Dakota State College of Science, debuted with a diverse line-up of podcasting programs created by students.

As of March, the station hosts seven different podcasts that stream on Spotify monthly.

“We are thrilled with the diverse programming and the educational skills that are being learned.” stated club advisor Bryan Poyzer.

The recording station is located in the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center, right alongside the Performing Arts Department. The center of campus provides a convenient hub for students of all programs to participate in this unique opportunity.

The show’s themes are not necessarily associated with the student’s programs on campus. There is one show dedicated to Playing Dungeons and Dragons, and another focusing on college life and mental health. Other shows are more specific and includes advice on auto maintenance and the future of agriculture education.

Due to the ease of Spotify, the campus station is getting attention from three continents. “Keeping it Real with Brooke” has had listeners in Australia and the faculty hosted podcast “Down and Dirty with Diesel” has found a home in Ireland. The latest editions to the KSCS family are “The Ag Bros” who discuss agriculture education and “The Procrastination Station” which has the format of a two hour radio broadcast.

All KSCS shows can be found on Spotify or accessed through the NDSCS webpage NDSCS.edu/Wildcat-Radio

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) partnered with the American Welding Society (AWS) to host the annual Behind the Mask competition for high school and college students. The competition, which took place at NDSCS-Fargo on March 20^th, saw ninety-seven high school and college students from North Dakota and Minnesota compete for the top prize.

The competition is designed to challenge each student’s welding skills and to provide them with a platform to present their skills to the welding industry. Behind the Mask is judged by industry professionals who evaluate participants on safety, quality of welds, and the ability to follow AWS welding standards. Students from NDSCS-Fargo, NDSCS Wahpeton, Alexandria Technical College, Southeast Region Career and Technology Center (Wahpeton), Bismarck Career Academy, Sheyenne Valley Career and Technology Center (Valley City), North Valley Career and Technology Center (Grafton), Mandan High School, East Grand Forks, and Minot High School all competed in the event.

The competition’s generous sponsors donated all the prizes for the event, which consisted of awards for the top welders in the separate high school and college divisions. All the proceeds from this event go back into AWS scholarships ranging from $500-$2,500 that are available to high school and college students pursuing a welding career. These scholarships help up-and-coming welders pursue their craft and continue to build upon the skills they already have.

The results of the top welders in the high school division include:

GMAW (wire)

1^st – Brodin Agotness (North Valley Career and Technology Center)

2^nd – Allen Mielke (Minot)

3^rd – Chantz Delzer (Mandan)

SMAW (stick)

1^st – Clay Wagner (Mandan)

2^nd – Brayden McClure (Mandan)

3^rd – Dominic Kautzmann (Mandan)

The results of the top welders in the college division include:

GMAW (wire)

1^st – Colin Lemieux (NDSCS)

2^nd – Seth Winrod (NDSCS)

3^rd – Ben Klemen (NDSCS)

SMAW (stick)

1^st – Lucas Nelson (Alexandria Technical & Community College)

2^nd – Kaden Feldt (Alexandria Technical & Community College)

3^rd – Dominic Finken (Alexandria Technical & Community College)

“It is a privilege to host the AWS Behind the Mask welding competition at NDSCS,” said Mitchell Van Vleet, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of NDSCS Welding. “It was a great opportunity for all the welding Instructors and the students to get together and support the future of the welding industry. Thanks to all the NDSCS Welding staff who participated in the event to make it a great experience for the students.”

The AWS Behind the Mask Competition is a great way to showcase the talents of welders, while also providing an opportunity for students to gain recognition and financial assistance. NDSCS is proud to have been a part of this exciting competition for the past 2 years.