GF Career Impact Academy receives $10M in matching funds

A Career Impact Academy for Grand Forks has received $10 million in matching funds from the North Dakota State Board for Career and Technical Education.

That allocation was approved during a special meeting today (Mon).

Grant funds were matched on a dollar-per-dollar basis up to $10 million.

A local committee had raised nearly $10.3 million dollars in matching money from various businesses, individuals, foundations, as well as Grand Forks Public Schools, the City of Grand Forks, Grand Forks County, the Chamber, and the Grand Forks Region EDC.

According to Grand Forks Public Schools, the 56,900 square foot building is anticipated to open in fall 2024 near the intersection of U-S Highway 2 and I-29.

The Academy will offer career programming to high school and adult learners. It will be an entity of Grand Forks Public Schools and governed by the Grand Forks School Board.

The staffing levels needed for the Academy is projected to be 16 full-time members. Grand Forks Public Schools already employ 12 of the positions.

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GF Public Schools release:

The Career Impact Academy has received $10 million in matching funds from the North Dakota State Board for Career and Technical Education. The allocation was approved during a special meeting held virtually earlier today. Grant funds were matched on a dollar-per-dollar basis up to $10 million.

A collaborative partnership among several entities in the Grand Forks region, the Career Impact Academy will provide hands-on, relevant career and technical education experiences for students in the Grand Forks region. High school students will be able to complete their high school diploma and obtain credentials or college credits. Academy training pathways will be open for 11th and 12th grade students. Participating postsecondary institutions can provide training pathways, certifications, and degree programs for adult learners.

A comprehensive needs assessment that assessed student interests, industry demand, and post-secondary options helped to determine the ten career pathways to be offered at the Career Impact Academy. Additionally, the student survey guided the development of a block schedule allowing additional area high schools (Central Valley, Hatton, Hillsboro, May-Port CG, Northwood, and Thompson) to attend.

The Career Impact Academy will be an entity of Grand Forks Public Schools and governed by the Grand Forks School Board. The 56,900 square foot building is anticipated to open in fall 2024. It will be located near the intersection of Highway 2 and Interstate 29.

A steering committee comprised of leaders from regional public entities, educational institutions, and industry leaders raised the matching dollars in 70 days. Over 60 private businesses and dozens of individual donors and public entities contributed. A full list of donors can be found at https://grandforks.org/inside-the-edc/careerimpactacademy/.

The funds were allocated from the Career and Technical Education Capital Projects Fund, a grant opportunity provided by the 67th Legislative Assembly, to increase access to Career and Technical Education by building new or expanding existing Career and Technical Education Centers.