The Career Impact Academy announces a $100,000 commitment from Northridge Construction, $100,000 from Construction Engineers, $50,000 from Crary Real Estate, $50,000 from the Lunn family, $50,000 from Dakota Commercial, $50,000 from Development Homes, and $25,000 from Retrax to support development of the career and technical education center in Grand Forks. The donations will be used to unlock matching grant dollars up to $10 million that’s available from the North Dakota State Department of Career and Technical Education. So far the Career Impact Academy steering committee has raised $5.8 million from community partners with nearly $3 million of pending requests.
“This is a great opportunity to support a much-needed trade pipeline for many industries,” said Jon Miskavige, Northridge Construction President & CEO. “Northridge Construction is happy to partner in this endeavor.”
The Career Impact Academy will provide learners with real-world, hands-on learning spaces to explore high-wage, in-demand career fields in the Grand Forks region. The Academy will offer students specialized training, allowing them to become career ready or college prepared. The commitments of investments continue to gain momentum from local businesses and organizations.
“Construction Engineers is excited to continue support of our local economy and expanding our area’s skilled workforce is an integral component of our region’s growth. By supporting the Career Impact Academy, we are providing an opportunity to spark students’ interest in the skilled trades at a facility where they can be proud and confident about their career choice,” said Scott Kringstad, president of Construction Engineers.
Once operational, the Career Impact Academy will offer career programming to both high school and adult learners. One example of this will be the array of medical field training available. High schoolers participating in the Career Impact Academy will be able to complete their high school diploma while obtaining credentials like CPR certification, or credits toward a college degree or certificate. Participating post-secondary institutions will provide training pathways, certifications, and degree programs for adult learners. Similar pathways will be created in the construction, building trades, precision agriculture technology, advanced manufacturing, engineering, unmanned systems, computer science career fields, and more.
“The Lunn family has been so blessed living in Grand Forks. Both our daughters received their K-12 education through the Grand Forks Public Schools and secondary education in the area and we have had a lifetime of fond experiences throughout the greater Grand Forks community. We feel so fortunate to be able to help further generations of students with this donation to the Career Impact Academy!” said Eric Lunn.
A steering committee comprised of leaders from regional public entities, educational institutions, and industry leaders have been developing a grant application to seek $10 million dollars in funding to support capital costs needed to build the Career Impact Academy. Grant funds must be matched locally on a $1 per $1 basis and can include cash or in-kind contributions. The application will be submitted to the state by December 1, 2021.
More information about the Career Impact Academy can be found at GrandForks.org/CareerImpactAcademy.