North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is pleased to announce the launch of a new Fire Science degree program. This innovative program aims to provide local firefighters with a practical and affordable avenue to advance their careers in the fire service.

The Fire Science program will be taught at various locations, including fire stations across the region and the North Dakota Firefighters Association (NDFA) training center in Bismarck. Additionally, future academies are planned to take place at NDSCS campuses in Fargo and Wahpeton.

Designed to meet the needs of a wide array of fire service professionals, the program caters to both new candidates seeking to join the field and veteran firefighters aiming to enhance their expertise. Cities such as Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead have already expressed interest in the program and arrangements are being made to enroll students from North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota.

The Fire Science program is estimated to cost $10,835 for a student without any prior college credits or firefighter credentials. Recognition for Prior Learning options are also available for recently trained firefighters. Graduates will obtain a degree in Fire Science that not only equips them with advanced knowledge but also significantly enhances their career prospects within the fire service industry.

The NDSCS Fire Science program is guided by experienced leaders and instructors with deep knowledge and expertise in the field. They will ensure that the training delivered is rigorous, practical, and aligned with the evolving needs of the fire service industry.

NDSCS is thrilled to offer this much-needed program and looks forward to fostering a new generation of highly skilled firefighters ready to serve and protect their communities.

We are delighted to extend the program to volunteer firefighters as well. They can participate in NDFA regional academies throughout North Dakota, and efforts are underway to provide classes in other states.

Inquiries about the program should be directed to the Fire Science Program Coordinator, Clinton Gilbertson, who can be reached via email at Clinton.Gilbertson@ndscs.edu or by phone at 701-671-2329.

For more information about the Fire Science program, visit NDSCS's website at NDSCS.edu/FireScience.

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 the NDSCS Wahpeton campus on April 20th, saw ninety 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 high schools in Wahpeton, Mandan, Minot, Grafton, Valley City and Fargo, as well as college students from NDSCS, Alexandria Technical College, and Lynnes Welding Training, Inc. 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)
  • 1st – Ben Klemen (NDSCS-Fargo)
  • 2nd – Colton Prellwitz (Minot)
  • 3rd – Daniel Kryvenia (Minot)
• SMAW (stick)
  • 1st – Chantz Delzer (Mandan)
  • 2nd – Caeiton Eslinger (Minot)
  • 3rd – Braeden Olavson (Sheyenne Valley Area CTE)

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

• GMAW (wire)
  • 1st – Jarred Maleska (Alexandria Technical & Community College)
  • 2nd – Shadera Burian (NDSCS)
  • 3rd – Tyler Heida (Alexandria Technical & Community College)
• SMAW (stick)
  • 1st – Dexter Seese (NDSCS)
  • 2nd – Parker Meyer (Alexandria Technical & Community College)
  • 3rd – Colin Lenieux (NDSCS)

“We are excited to have partnered with AWS to provide this unique opportunity for welding students,” said Lee Larson, Associate Professor of NDSCS Welding and AWS Northwest Chairman. “The competition was a great opportunity for students to get feedback from industry experts and gain valuable welding experience.”

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 be a part of this exciting competition and looks forward to hosting an amazing competition at NDSCS-Fargo next year.

The North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) Agriculture Program students had the opportunity to attend the NACTA (North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture) Judging Conference in Modesto, California from April 12-15, 2023. While there, the students competed in various competitions, such as Livestock Management, Livestock Judging, Equine Management, Soils, and more.

The NDSCS Agriculture students worked hard to prepare for the competitions, and their efforts paid off as they earned multiple individual and team awards. The students won Second Place, 2-year division in the Knowledge Bowl, Third Place, 2-year division in Crops Team, and Third Place, 2-year division in Ag Mechanics. Andrew Sip was named Third High Individual in the Ag Mechanics Contest, 2-year division.

During the trip, the students also had the chance to enjoy hands-on experiences and explore opportunities in agriculture. They toured Burroughs Family Farms, an organic almond, walnut, olive, and sheep farm that utilizes regenerative practices to restore land and soil health.

By sending teams to competitions like the NACTA Judging Conference, the Agriculture program provides students with an invaluable educational experience. “Trips like this allow students a unique opportunity to learn about Agriculture in different regions of the United States and test their knowledge in the areas they are studying. More importantly, they have the opportunity to expand their professional network.”, noted Craig Zimprich, Agriculture Associate Professor and Department Chair.

The NDSCS students who participated in the competitions included:

• Andy Sip, Farm Management, Ada, Minn.
• Cody Morrison, Farm Management, Hunter, N.D.
• Grace Dinius, Agronomy & Ag Business, New England, N.D.
• Carston Hamre, Ag Business, Audubon, Minn.
• Katrina Quick, Farm Management & Agronomy, Borup, Minn.
• Rose Wendell, Liberal Arts – Agriculture emphasis, Lamoure, N.D.
• Eli Sorum, Animal Science & Precision Ag, Fergus Falls, Minn.
• Will Steffes, Farm Management, Arthur, N.D.
• Hunter Albert, Precision Agriculture Technician, Barnesville, Minn.
• Gavin Mautz, Ranch Management, Garrison, N.D.

The NDSCS Agriculture Program provides students with a solid foundation of knowledge in the areas of Ag Business, Animal Science, Farm Management, Ranch Management, Precision Agronomy, and Precision Agriculture Technician. It is a hands-on program area that emphasizes practical learning experiences through lab and field activities, internships, and cooperative education experiences. Students also benefit from the college’s close working relationships with regional and national agricultural businesses, organizations, and state and federal agencies.

For more information about the NDSCS Agriculture program, visit NDSCS.edu/Ag.

Article written by NDSCS and submitted to external news outlets.