Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven attended the grand opening of the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) Career Innovation Center (CIC) in Fargo. The facility, with a cost nearing $35 million, is designed to provide technical education and training for both high school and college students in the area.

The project received more than $12 million in federal funding. Senator Hoeven worked with the U.S. Treasury Department to advance North Dakota’s application to the Capital Projects Fund, securing approval for $68 million in Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding for the state in 2023. Of this amount, $10 million was allocated specifically for NDSCS’s initiative. The CIC also received over $700,000 from a broadband-focused federal fund.

In addition, Hoeven collaborated with the Economic Development Administration to obtain $1.5 million through the bipartisan CARES Act to support CTE efforts in Fargo.

Hoeven emphasized that these funds were essential not only for making the CIC possible but also for supporting other CTE centers across North Dakota. He highlighted how the center aims to address workforce shortages by offering affordable education and training opportunities that help students avoid significant debt.

“The Career and Innovation Center is a hub of opportunity, teaching the skills we need for the jobs we have open and getting students into great careers, all while providing an affordable education. That’s why we worked persistently with the Treasury Department to secure the $68 million CTE award for North Dakota, which was a key piece in making this project at NDSCS a reality to the benefit of both students and employers,” said Hoeven. “By combining hands-on, career-focused education with cutting-edge technology, it will help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills. From robotics and AI to agriculture, health care, skilled trades and general education, the CIC will meet high demand workforce needs, ensuring students graduate job-ready while providing a steady talent pipeline for employers in the region.”