WATFORD CITY, N.D. — Schools across western North Dakota are now getting hands-on experience with more than $1 million worth of specialized career technology, thanks to a unique program based in Watford City. The Western Dakota Corps of Discovery rotates 11 high-tech equipment kits directly into classrooms, enabling students to engage with cutting-edge tools that many rural districts would otherwise find prohibitively expensive.
This innovative approach addresses a significant financial hurdle for smaller schools, where acquiring individual pieces of advanced equipment could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Justin Johnsrud, Director of the Western Dakota Corps of Discovery, emphasized this challenge. He explained that a single school attempting to purchase one of each of these specialized pieces of equipment could face a price tag of $300,000. Johnsrud noted that this cost makes such purchases “cost-prohibitive” for many districts. The program's core concept, according to Johnsrud, is to share the equipment, thus providing every participating school with the benefits of a broad array of technology they would not otherwise be able to afford.
The equipment kits bring diverse, industry-standard technology into the classroom. Students are gaining practical experience with processes like 3D printing and laser engraving, while science labs are utilizing tools for tasks such as extracting plant DNA. These experiences provide students with a robust foundation of skills applicable across numerous industries. Johnsrud further clarified that the program ensures students train on the same industry-standard software utilized by major employers, preparing them for real-world scenarios.
Students at the Bakken Area Skills Center (BASC) in Watford City, where the program is based, are already seeing the direct benefits. Ozzy Fisher, a BASC student, shared how the program aligns with his career aspirations. Fisher plans to pursue engineering and finds the ability to design and prototype his own 3D or 2D mesh designs incredibly helpful. He believes this experience makes students more versatile and enhances their employability in their chosen fields.
The program's impact extends beyond merely learning how to operate advanced machinery. Students also gain valuable soft skills by working with deadlines and understanding how their newly acquired technical abilities translate into potential careers. Max Mendoza, another student at BASC, highlighted the program's role in career exploration. Mendoza stated that students “get to see what job opportunities are here,” providing them with a clear outlook for their futures.
By bringing these high-tech tools and experiences directly to local schools, the Western Dakota Corps of Discovery aims to equip students with the necessary skills and confidence to build successful careers close to home. The program currently serves 25 schools throughout western North Dakota, fostering a skilled future workforce for the region.