The NDSCS Division for Workforce Affairs, in conjunction with TrainND Southeast, has partnered with Microsoft to offer UpskillingND to support job seekers looking to build their skills for in-demand careers. UpskillingND utilizes self-paced virtual curriculum to learn new technology skills for in-demand jobs and earn certifications. This program provides a flexible learning experience for individuals looking to change their career path or want to enhance their skills, including individuals who have been displaced or are facing barriers to employment due to COVID-19. The five-week program is available at no cost to participants and starts October 18, 2021 and ends November 23, 2021.

UpskillingND participants work at their own pace through the five-week curriculum. In addition to the virtual training sessions, group and individual meetings with mentors are provided, and customized workshops with industry experts are offered. Participants will have access to the following: self-paced virtual curriculum from LinkedIn Learning to gain skills enabling participants to earn certifications and badges; one-on-one support from experienced coaches, support with interview skills and resumé writing; support from a network of peers; connections to local companies seeking employees with these skills.

“UpskillingND is an opportunity for individuals to better themselves,” said UpskillingND Coach Sanchez-Dekarske. “I would encourage anyone, at any facet in their career, to consider this program. It can be a new beginning to refresh on things you already know and learn new skills to open up your world.”

“Often times people feel this program is too good to be true, says TrainND Program Manager Mary Beth Burns. “Due to generous donations from our business partners, this program is offered to participants at no cost.”

Interested individuals must complete a brief online application by Friday, October 15. The application form and additional information is available online at NDSCS.edu/UpskillingND.

Welcome Week events for students to include outdoor evening events

North Dakota State College of Science fall semester classes will begin Monday, August 23 at 4 p.m. for all students in Wahpeton, Fargo and online. Students who are not yet enrolled for fall semester can still do so by contacting the Admission office at 701-671-2521.

Opening weekend events in Wahpeton will kick off on Saturday, August 21 when residence halls open for student move-in at 10 a.m. Welcome Week, an annual series of events designed to help students connect to the College community and establish positive and healthy habits, will take place from August 21-28 and will include outdoor evening activities for new and returning students.

These events will include:

• August 21, 9 - 11 p.m.: Outdoor Movie on The Oval
• August 22, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.: Street Dance in Lot 2 north of Old Main with music provided by a D.J.
• August 23, 7 - 10 p.m.: Glow Games on The Oval with music provided by a D.J.
• August 25, 8 – 10 p.m.: Karaoke and Open Mic Night on The Oval
• August 26, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.: Neon Street Dance in Lot 2 north of Old Main with music provided by a D.J.
• August 27, 7 – 10 p.m.: Laser Tag on The Oval with music provided by a D.J.

North Dakota State College of Science is accepting applications for students interested in obtaining a certificate in Autonomous Systems Technology (AST). This new innovative program will start enrolling students for Fall 2021. The NDSCS AST program is one of the first of its kind in the nation.

Ground-based autonomous systems typically operate without human control and are designed to increase efficiency and safety. “Graduates with an AST certificate will have the knowledge and skills to go right into a career in the various industries that are using these systems” said AST Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor Lonnie Wurst. “Various industries are starting to utilize these systems, including agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, and national defense. This technology is evolving quickly, and we anticipate our graduates will be in high-demand for many years to come."

Students are able to earn a certificate in AST while simultaneously working toward a degree or certificate in another NDSCS academic program option. Additional information about the program and how to enroll can be found online at NDSCS.edu/AST.