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Aiden Hoff, a 1st-year Construction Management Technology student at NDSCS is preparing to leave the state for an exclusive internship opportunity this summer — with Syncom Space Services (contractor for NASA)!

Aiden is a Fargo, ND native, graduating from high school in May, 2023. He has been involved with construction and construction management for 5+ years, where his hands-on experience and networking efforts in the Fargo region have not only honed his skills but have also affirmed his passion for leading in the construction industry.

Aiden chose to attend NDSCS because he liked the idea of a two-year college where he could learn things that were focused on helping him in his future career. He was happy that NDSCS in Wahpeton isn't too far from his family's home in Fargo, but is far enough that he can gain independence. After checking out some other colleges, Aiden felt that NDSCS had the best program for Construction Management, and was excited about the full college experience available to him at a smaller institution.

Aiden came to NDSCS in the Fall of 2023, and so far has had an exceptional experience as a student on the Wahpeton campus. During this academic year, Aiden has been involved on campus, participating in free student events and being part of leadership organizations like Student Senate and Construction and Design Technology (CDT) Club. Aiden also competed in the International Builders’ Show in Last Vegas this Spring, where he presented a project with his team at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition, and placed 5th in the nation. Read more here.

As the academic year comes to a close on May 10th, Aiden's sights are set on a new adventure. Come May 20th, he will embark on his journey to the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. Summer internships are required in the Construction Management program at NDSCS, and Aiden’s experience is sure to be unique. This prestigious summer internship is a testament to NDSCS's quality education and Aiden's exceptional skills.

At Stennis, a hub for NASA's most critical projects, Aiden’s role will extend beyond the average intern’s, taking charge as a Construction Manager on a Naval base, overseeing subcontractors on projects essential to both the Navy and NASA.

The competition for this internship was intense. Aiden stood out among applicants with four-year degrees and even higher education, including international applicants. It was his strong work ethic, drive for knowledge, and evident leadership skills that set him apart.

This opportunity is proof that a two-year degree can open as many doors as a four-year degree – and with less financial burden. Aiden credits the Construction faculty at NDSCS for giving him the education and confidence to pursue this opportunity, noting that the small class sizes and personalized attention at NDSCS have prepared him well.

When his internship ends in August of this year, Aiden will return to NDSCS for his 2nd year as a Construction Management student. He is on course to graduate in May, 2025. After graduation, Aiden is open to what his next career move will be. He has always dreamed of owning his own Construction Management business, but is open to more opportunities and wants to see where this S3 (NASA) internship will lead.

Aiden Hoff is not just a student; he is a leader in the making. With his commitment to excellence, his value of education, and his motivation for achievement, it’s clear that he will be extremely successful — wherever life takes him after NDSCS.

The last week of February is a busy week for North Dakota State College of Science students, as it's the last week of classes before spring break. 

For 12 students in the construction management and architectural modeling and design technology programs, it was even busier than usual. Along with their instructor, Lara Lekang, the students traveled to Las Vegas to compete in the International Builders' Show (IBS). 

The students presented projects at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition while at the IBS.

NDSCS students go through an application process for this project, starting at the beginning of the school year. Their work must be submitted prior to Christmas break at the end of first semester. Once classes resume in the second semester, the students put it all together and start the presentation portion of the project. 

"These projects are a commitment for the students,” Lekang said. “They learn to understand and work through it. It really brings together all the ‘whys’ behind what they are learning in their classes.”

Lekang, a Wahpeton native, graduated from the very program she now teaches at NDSCS. For the past seven years she has been the associate professor/program coordinator in the architectural modeling and design program.

Lekang has brought with her experience from the commercial and residential industry. In the past few years, NDSCS has restructured the architectural program from drafting into 3D modeling. This was driven by the need to keep up with current industry standards. Now, having become a multi-disciplinary program, it allows students to be aware of the different avenues their careers can take.

“Giving students various construction experience builds confidence for when they enter the workforce,” Lekang said.

Students who are selected to compete get a pre-assigned project, often one that has already been fully constructed in the real world. The project expectations are quite involved. It focuses on the construction schedule, estimates, a management plan and detailed drawings. Once it is put together on paper, it is a very thick packet.

“The judges are looking for completeness,” Lekang said. “Accuracy in the students' approach to the problem, the sequence of the schedule and this leads to problem-solving and troubleshooting when things don’t go as planned.” 

Lekang had two teams compete this year and both teams placed. One team took home third place and the other fifth place.

“I am proud of the students' teamwork, efficiency, communication and all the time they put in,” Lekang said. “NDSCS students rose to the occasion.”

When not competing, the students had a chance to see all the IBS had to offer. According to the NAHB, more than 76,000 builders, remodelers, developers and other building professionals filled the Las Vegas Convention Center for the event.

Lekang also uses this event to network with industry professionals who collaborate with NDSCS. Building relationships helps the programs grow and succeed.

“It is eye-opening for students to see how it is all tied together,” Lekang said.

Article published by Bobbi Steffens at Wahpeton Daily News on March 9, 2024. 

Three North Dakota State College of Science students are among the 124 recipients of $675,000 in 2024 Work Ethic Scholarships from the Mike Rowe Works Foundation.

Jacob Berndt, Hannah Myers and Brayden Schmeichel follow in the footsteps of five NDSCS students who received scholarships in fall 2023. The previous honorees were Stockton Buck, Walter Guse, Trever Severinsen, Koby Valentin and Mark Weimer.

The Mike Rowe Works Foundation, which is launching its next scholarship cycle in 2024, expects much from applicants. This includes enrolling in an approved program, signing the “S.W.E.A.T. Pledge,” answering four questions about the pledge, making a video, having two solid references from a teacher or boss, verifying school costs, providing high school or college transcripts and sending the most 1040 tax form.

“We’re on a mission to help close the skills gap by challenging the stigmas and stereotypes that discourage people from pursuing the millions of available jobs,” the foundation stated. “We’re redefining the definition of a good education and a good job, because we don’t think a four-year degree is the best path for the most people. We want people to understand the impact of skilled labor on their lives, and we’re convinced that the solution has to start with a new appreciation for hard work.”

These are Berndt, Myers and Schmeichel’s stories.

Jacob Berndt

• “My dad has his own machine shop out in Mooreton,” said Berndt, 19, a first year precision machining major from Wahpeton. “I like precision machining. I think it’s pretty cool. My dad went here and went through the same program as I am going through now.”

• Berndt hopes to one day succeed his dad Chris in the family business. “It’s pretty cool to do what he did,” Jacob Berndt said.

• “I heard about the scholarship from my dad,” Berndt said. “He pushed me to complete that application. It did take forever to do the work — I didn’t want to do the video, but I did.” This made Berndt learning that he received the scholarship much more exciting.

• Freshman year has been fun for Berndt. “I feel like I’m always learning something that I’m going to use later in my life,” he said. When he’s not in class, Berndt enjoys hunting and fishing.

• Berndt is looking back with some respect for the long hours needed to get his $3,500 scholarship. “It’s definitely worth it,” he said.

Hannah Myers

• “I graduated early from high school,” said Myers, 17, a first year electrical technology major from Garrison, North Dakota. “I mentioned electrical technology to my grandma, because my coworkers were talking about it, and she had me tour here.”

• After graduation, Myers hopes to work until she becomes journeyman. “That’s all I have for now,” she said.

• Myers heard about the Rowe Scholarship through her grandmother, Elaine Myers. Hannah Myers admitted that she almost gave up on her application because of how much was required. “But, I pushed through,” she said.

• School has been going well for Myers, she said. She enjoys hanging out with friends and participating in campus activities, whether it’s playing games together or going to all-school events.

• The recipient of a $5,000 scholarship, Myers advises curious students to “just push through and submit your application.”

Brayden Schmeichel

• “Reviews of NDSCS that I had read said how teachers and students treated one another like family,” said Schmeichel, 20, a second year construction management major from Jamestown, North Dakota. “I wanted to go to school where I could make some new friends.”

• Schmeichel plans to spend the winter semester lining up work for after graduation. “I want to work my way up the ladder,” he said.

• The 2024 Work Ethic Scholarship appealed to Schmeichel because of the importance it places on one’s work ethic, which he likes.

• Schmeichel is enjoying his major and learning more about the construction industry. Construction is something he has enjoyed since boyhood and also a good fit for his interest in leadership.

• The recipient of a $1,500 scholarship, Schmeichel said he applied early and worked in portions. “I was excited to win this,” he said.

• “If you are a person who will wake up early in the morning, go to your job, have a goal for the day and are willing to put in some extra hours for that goal, I think this scholarship is perfect for you. Take your time when applying for it,” Schmeichel said.

• When he’s not in class, Schmeichel enjoys hanging out with “some really great lifetime friends that I’ve met here.”

Daily News shares Jacob Berndt, Hannah Myers and Brayden Schmeichel’s thanks for receiving the Mike Rowe Works Foundation’s 2024 Work Ethic Scholarship. We also congratulate the three youth and the quintet of 2023 Work Ethic Scholarship winners, wishing all much continued success, especially in the Southern Red River Valley.

Article published by Frank Stanko at Wahpeton Daily News on January 15, 2024. 

Brayden Schmeichel, a Construction Management Technology student at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), has been named a 2024 New Century Workforce Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

This scholarship program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, and supports students at associate degree-granting institutions on a national scale. Students nominated for the Workforce Pathway should be planning to enter the workforce after completing a certificate or associate degree.

New Century Workforce Pathway Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Over 2,200 applications were received from students in more than 1,300 college campuses across the country. Only one New Century Workforce Scholar was selected from each state.

Brayden’s selection was based on the score he earned in the All-USA Academic Team Competition, where he was the top-scoring student from North Dakota. Brayden has also served as the Vice President of Service for the NDSCS PTK chapter and helps organize their service learning projects. As a Construction Management Technology student, Brayden recently represented NDSCS at the International Builders Show ® (IBS) in Las Vegas, NV with his classmates.

“Brayden is very deserving of this recognition” said Erin Johnson, the NDSCS Phi Theta Kappa advisor, “I have watched Brayden embrace new leadership roles within our academic honor society and in other campus activities. He is a great representative of our NDSCS student body and demonstrates how students becoming active on campus builds skills and opportunities for their future.”

NDSCS has a long-standing tradition of New Century Scholars, and is proud to count Brayden among the list of high-achieving students that come out of our institution.

Brayden and the other New Century Scholars from around the United States will be recognized in the fall.

The Beta Mu Rho chapter of Phi Kappa Theta at North Dakota State College of Science is proud to announce that four students have been named to the 2024 North Dakota Academic All-State Team, which recognizes the academic achievements of community college students.

Workforce Pathway Scholars plan to begin their careers immediately upon graduation, and Transfer Pathway Scholars plan to continue their education at a four-year institution after completing their studies at a community college.

The students, listed with their program of study and their hometown, are:

• Transfer Pathway Scholars:
  • Rose Wendel, Agriculture, LaMoure, N.D.
  • Kyra Bellew, Dental Hygiene, Wahpeton, N.D.
• Workforce Pathway Scholars:
  • Brayden Schmeichel, Construction Management Technology, Jamestown, N.D.
  • Katie Willprecht, Nursing, Lidgerwood, N.D.

The Academic All-State team is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and Coca Cola. Students named to the North Dakota Academic All-State Team will be considered for nomination as the state’s New Century Scholar as well as membership on the All-USA Academic Team.

The students will be recognized at the North Dakota Academic All-State Team banquet hosted by North Dakota State College of Science on Wednesday, March 20th.

For the longest time, Aleigha Lyons thought she would not go to college.

Lyons is from Lisbon, North Dakota, where her family owns an auto body shop. She began working in the shop as a high school sophomore. A year later, during a day off from school, Lyons toured North Dakota State College of Science’s campus in Wahpeton. The tour started Lyons on her current path as a first year auto body repair and refinishing technology student.

Lyons is one of the 2,942 females making up more than 43% of NDSCS’ total enrollment. The career and technical education program includes 1,334 females representing nearly 35% of the enrollment. Career and technical education is recognized each February, calling attention to high demand fields like the auto industry, construction, electrical technology, HVAC/R technology, plumbing, welding and more.

“If you’re even thinking about it, look into it,” Lyons said. “Don’t be scared. I was terrified. I know it sounds stupid. Yes, people are going to look at you. They might not think you’re doing to do a good job because you’re a woman. And that’s when you prove them wrong.”

Lianna Jepson is a second year electrical technology student. A fateful experience at Kennedy Secondary School, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, redirected her priorities.

“I was peer pressured into joining a robotics club meeting after school,” Jepson said, smiling at the memory. “It really inspired a new aspect of me. Before, I was very book smart, intent on being a math teacher. Now, I was working with my hands, critically thinking, looking at designs. I looked into NDSCS to (pursue being) an electrician. It felt like a natural path to there.”

The most enjoyable, and constant, experience for Jepson has been retraining her brain.

“I’ve taken so many different classes. When I started this, I was so certain, ‘I’m going to be an electrician.’ Now, I see that there’s really so many opportunities, as an electrician, or a programmer, or an estimator,” she said.

Ivan Maas is chair of NDSCS’ building systems technology department, including electrical, HVAC/R and plumbing. A student may arrive without real world experience, but he or she won’t leave without it.

“Most of our programs, or at least the three I work with, heavily involve lab work,” Maas said. “The bulk of the equipment they work on is literally the same equipment they will work on and service when they get out in the industry. It’s not trainers, it’s not just virtual kinds of stuff. This is the same equipment.”

Peer-to-peer interaction is greatly important for career and technical students, Maas said. Sexism would be a hindrance, especially when capability is the driving criteria.

“Don’t worry about what other people think,” said Carissa Gozdal, a first year Komatsu diesel student from Fargo, North Dakota. “In diesel, no one cares if you’re a woman or not. I haven’t had a teacher or guy treat me differently. If you’re doing your work right, good, on time and efficiently, no one cares.”

Gozdal is a sponsored student, whose education will be followed by time with the company that helped pay for it. Students continue to look for and pursue opportunities to either assist with or redefine education choices.

Brooke Glynn is a third year construction management student from Fullerton, North Dakota. She has already graduated from architectural drafting and estimating, as well as being a member of the North Dakota National Guard. It was through the latter organization that Glynn began her work as a carpentry specialist.

“I really loved it. It was hands-on work that I decided to ultimately pursue,” Glynn said. “After experiencing construction through the military, I went to look for a college that would provide me more opportunities.”

Glynn will graduate this year with a degree in construction management. She seeks to find a full-time job as an architectural drafter or assistant construction manager, working her way up to being a construction manager.

“Don’t care about what other people think of you,” Glynn said to young women. “Focus on your trade and doing what you can.”

Terry Marohl is head of NDSCS’ transportation department. He is also impressed at the amount of camaraderie and interest in shared success among career and technical education students.

“We’re all about getting individuals ready for the workforce, with hands-on career experience. When we recruit, we’re recruiting students for our programs. There’s so much demand from the industries. The opportunities are there, but the demand is greater than the supply,” Marohl said.

Lily Reed, a first year welding technology student from Willmar, Minnesota, is another student whose mind was broadened when she got to try something new. It was thanks to a high school all-girl’s welding class.

“I wanted to pursue my passion and do what I enjoy. I love what I do. If I didn’t go to a bigger (high school), I would never have gone to the program I’m in right now,” Reed said.

Like her peers, Reed sees making a career from a career and technical education program as of matter of doing what she enjoys and can see herself continuing to do.

“It doesn’t matter what field it’s in or if it’s men-dominated. Go and prove yourself to them,” Reed said.

“Sometimes you’re put on a pedestal and sometimes you’re put down,” Jepson said. “In either case, you have to stay true to what you believe. You have to know what you want to do, know your job and do it right. And at the end of the day, you’ll make a lot of money.”

Article written by Frank Stanko for Wahpeton Daily News on February 1, 2023.