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Rural North Dakota School District Launches Community-Driven Career Training Center [1]
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Date: 2025-02-26
When Edgeley Public Schools opened the doors of their new 11,000-square-foot Career Academy in rural North Dakota last fall, it wasn’t just an open house for a new building. The event marked the launch of a community-driven project that brings cutting-edge career and technical education to rural students, preparing them for careers in high-demand fields like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing.
“This facility not only expands our class offerings but also establishes Edgeley as a leader in rural education, preparing our students for success in any career path they choose,” said Edgley school Superintendent Tyler Hanson.
Edgeley’s Career Academy reflects what’s possible when small rural districts work together. Partnering with the Southeast Region Career and Technology Center (SRCTC), which serves 15 member school districts in rural North Dakota, the academy helps address issues related to teacher recruitment, diverse course offerings, and school funding.
The academy, situated in the small town of 676 residents, will not only serve Edgeley public school’s student body of 261 students, but is also open to the 15 member districts. Since opening last fall, the Academy has enrolled about 65 students from Edgeley and nearby Klum public schools. There are additional plans to offer adult classes and community activities at the facility in the future.
“By partnering with member schools, we’ve been able to create opportunities that rural districts could never offer alone,” said SRCTC Director Dan Spellerberg. “From mobile labs to shared advisory committees, we ensure equitable access to cutting-edge education, leveling the playing field for students in small communities.”
The academy offers hands-on training in areas ranging from automotive technology and welding to culinary arts and healthcare. These programs directly address workforce needs in North Dakota, preparing students for immediate employment or further education.
“These programs are a direct response to workforce needs,” Spellerberg said. “The skills students gain here prepare them not only for immediate employment but also for long-term success in high-growth industries.”
The academy’s $4.1 million price tag was funded by a combination of state and local support. A $2.3 million grant from the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education covered more than half the costs, with the rest coming from private donors, local businesses, and the community.
“This building is a community hub where aspiring professionals can connect with industry leaders, learn from experienced instructors, and develop the skills necessary to thrive in today’s job market,” Hanson said.
The Edgeley Career Academy also exists as a community resource. The facility hosts local events and offers students the chance to engage directly with their community through projects like catering and service initiatives.
Looking ahead, SRCTC plans to expand this model to align with future needs of employers in the community. “Through innovative programs and new collaborations, we’re ensuring that rural students don’t just keep up—they lead the way into the future workforce,” Spellerberg said.
For rural districts nationwide to replicate Edgeley’s success, systemic policy changes are needed, Spellerberg said.
“Dedicated funding for (career and technical education) in rural areas, along with expanded use of mobile labs, would make a world of difference,” he said. “Early exposure for junior high students is critical to sparking interest and building skills, and we need policies that reflect that urgency.”
As other districts look for ways to close the education gap between urban and rural areas, Edgeley’s approach offers a roadmap for what’s possible when schools work together with community members and organizations to empower students and strengthen small towns across the nation.
Hanson states, “We believe that education is the key to unlocking potential, and we are committed to providing our students with hands-on training, mentorship, and support.”
Dr. Steven L. Johnson has worked in education for over 47 years and currently serves as superintendent of a small rural elementary school in Fort Ransom, North Dakota. As the founder of Rural Educational Associates, LLC, Dr. Johnson consults on rural schools and community issues. An advocate for rural education, he is also a member of the executive committee of the National Rural Education Association (NREA) and has presented on rural education topics at state, national, and international forums.
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https://dailyyonder.com/rural-north-dakota-school-district-launches-community-driven-career-training-center/2025/02/26/
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