Central ND News

Bismarck State College (BSC) has been awarded $9.9 million from the U.S. Department of Education’s Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. 

The funding will support the XR for VR project, designed to bridge the career awareness gap and promote competitive integrated employment (CIE) for North Dakotans with disabilities. The XR for VR initiative employs extended reality (XR) technology to create immersive experiences that empower individuals to explore career paths in the manufacturing sector. BSC’s project is one of only 27 selected nationwide.

“XR for VR is designed to increase awareness among individuals with disabilities about available high-wage career opportunities in the manufacturing industry and educate employers about the untapped potential of this capable and eager workforce,” said Project Director Alicia Uhde, who is also the BSC’s Dean of Automation, Energy, and Advanced Technologies.

The initiative is a collaborative effort involving several North Dakota partners, including CareerViewXR (CVXR), Impact Dakota, and ND Assistive. CVXR specializes in virtual reality career exploration, while Impact Dakota enhances business competitiveness. ND Assistive provides adaptive technologies to help individuals overcome employment barriers. Out-of-state partners such as LAB Midwest and CAST.org also contribute to the project.

The XR for VR project addresses the dual challenges of employment by providing individuals with disabilities access to high-demand jobs while also educating employers on the capabilities of this workforce. Participants will experience real-world manufacturing environments through immersive media, ensuring they are better prepared for job opportunities.

The initiative plans to establish nine immersive rooms across North Dakota, allowing participants to explore careers without needing a VR headset. These rooms will simulate manufacturing workspaces, helping individuals build confidence and familiarity with the industry.

“By promoting and building the capacity of all North Dakotans to support and participate in competitive integrated employment, we can overcome critical challenges on both sides of the employment equation,” said College President Doug Jensen.

Impact Dakota will advocate for inclusive practices within the manufacturing sector, helping employers understand the advantages of a diverse workforce. ND Assistive will ensure that assistive technologies are effectively integrated into workplaces.

“This project is not just about filling jobs; it’s about creating long-lasting change for both individuals and our vital North Dakota manufacturers,” said Jodie Mjoen, CEO of Impact Dakota. “We are grateful for our strong partnership with Bismarck State College and CareerViewXR – collaborating to help manufacturers realize the potential of an impactful underrepresented labor pool while advocating for inclusive practices that benefit everyone."