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Hankinson High School proudly announces that four of its students have achieved a significant milestone by earning a college certificate while still in high school. These remarkable young women were honored at the school's Academic Recognition Program on May 8^th, where their outstanding achievements were celebrated.

The students took advantage of the dual credit opportunities offered by North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), allowing them to complete the Liberal Arts General Education Transfer Certificate this spring. This program, championed by Career and Development Counselor Danielle Luebke, provides students with a valuable credential that can be transferred to any institution within the North Dakota University System (NDUS) or the state's five tribal colleges. Ms. Luebke's dedication to advocating for her students and guiding them in their post-graduation paths has been instrumental in their success.

The Liberal Arts General Education Transfer Certificate is designed for high school students aiming to earn college credits that are transferable within the NDUS. Based on the General Education Transfer Agreement (GERTA), this certificate ensures a smooth transition for students continuing their education at NDSCS or other institutions. The students who earned this prestigious certificate are Kylee Falk, Ashlynn Foertsch, Hannah Lingen, and Rylee Steffens. Their accomplishments are a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they serve as an inspiration to their peers.

Missy DeHaan, Director of Dual Credit at NDSCS, was excited for the Hankinson graduates, sharing, “Earning a college credential while in high school is quite an achievement. It demonstrates not only the academic excellence but also strong dedication, time management skills, and a clear vision for their future. The energy, enthusiasm and persistence in their educational goals are powerful indicators of their potential for success beyond high school. Congratulations!”

Central Cass High School, in collaboration with Essentia Health and multiple esteemed partners, is excited to announce the launch of an innovative Pharmacy Technician Program. This pioneering initiative aims to address the significant pharmacy technician shortage in North Dakota while providing students with valuable career opportunities. Key contributors to the program include the State of ND technical skill match programs, North Dakota State University – School of Pharmacy, North Dakota Board of Pharmacy, North Dakota Society of Health-System Pharmacists, North Dakota State University Collaboration for Advancement in Pharmacy (CAP) Center, Essentia Health, and community pharmacists.

The program's genesis traces back to a networking session at the Casselton Connect Meeting in April 2022, where the idea was first brainstormed by the superintendent of Central Cass School and the Essentia pharmacy leader. Recognizing the workforce challenges in the pharmacy profession and the growing interest in health science among high school students, the concept quickly garnered support from various stakeholders across North Dakota. Central Cass High School was selected as the initial pilot site due to its strong community relationships, medium class sizes, rural setting ideal for statewide replication, and proximity to Essentia Health Fargo.

Since Spring 2022, Essentia Health, North Dakota State College of Science, and Central Cass have been meeting regularly to discuss the project's implementation. The program, based on an accredited Pharmacy Tech-in-Training (PATSIM) curriculum, is structured to provide dual credit opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and hands-on internship experiences at Essentia Health. This initiative not only aims to mitigate workforce shortages but also offers students a unique pathway to explore careers in healthcare, ultimately benefiting the broader community. As the program advances, we look forward to expanding within Cass County and beyond, ensuring that dreams of collaboration and service to patients in North Dakota continue to thrive.

All of the students in this year’s program will be working as Pharmacy Technicians this Summer at Essentia Health locations. 

Melissa Krava, Associate Professor and Pharmacy Technician Program Director for NDSCS, was thrilled at the results of this pilot program. “We could not be prouder of the newest Pharmacy Technicians in the state of North Dakota! We had tremendous support for this program from C3TEC, Essentia Health and from Central Cass High School. This program proves that career dreams can come true—even while still in high school—and will continue to be a great service to North Dakota, helping to fill what is currently a large employment gap.