North Dakota Career Builder Scholarship

Program overview

The North Dakota Career Builder Scholarship is a public-private partnership designed to fill critical workforce gaps by funding students who enroll in high-demand degree and certificate programs. Authorized by the state legislature and administered by the North Dakota University System (NDUS), the program pairs state dollars with employer contributions to award up to $17,000 over two years toward tuition, fees, books, and equipment. Students pursue credentials at North Dakota public, tribal, or private nonprofit colleges that align with the state’s in-demand occupation list—fields such as cybersecurity, precision agriculture, nursing, respiratory therapy, welding, and commercial aviation maintenance. This guide outlines eligibility, application steps, employer matching strategies, academic requirements, and post-graduation obligations so you can confidently secure funding and launch a career in North Dakota.

Eligibility requirements

1. Residency and citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Preference is given to North Dakota residents, but out-of-state students willing to work in the state after graduation may qualify if they enroll in an approved program and secure an employer match.
2. Program alignment: You must enroll in an NDUS-approved high-need program at an eligible North Dakota institution. The approved list is updated annually; check the NDUS Career Builders website for current programs in healthcare, skilled trades, technology, education, and energy sectors.
3. Enrollment intensity: Students can enroll full-time or part-time, but awards are prorated based on credit load. To maximize funding, aim for at least 12 credits per semester or the equivalent in clock-hour programs.
4. Academic standing: Maintain good academic standing according to institutional policies. Most programs require a minimum 2.5 GPA, but competitive fields may expect higher performance.
5. Employer partnership: Each scholarship must be matched dollar-for-dollar by a private-sector employer, industry association, or donor. Students can bring an employer partner to the application or request NDUS assistance finding one.
6. Commitment to work in North Dakota: Recipients pledge to live and work in the state for at least three years after graduation in a field related to their program.

Application process

1. Explore eligible programs. Review the Career Builders occupation and program list. Meet with academic advisors to confirm that your chosen major qualifies and to map required courses.
2. Identify employer partners. Approach employers in your industry who have hiring needs. Present the scholarship as a talent pipeline investment—employers contribute funds that are matched by the state, effectively doubling their impact. NDUS and Job Service North Dakota maintain lists of interested employers; contact career services for introductions.
3. Prepare materials. Gather transcripts, proof of admission to an eligible program, resume, personal statement outlining career goals, and letters of support from employers or faculty.
4. Submit the online application. The application through the ND Career Builders portal requests demographic information, program details, financial need (optional), and employer match confirmation. Deadlines vary by term; spring and fall cycles are typical.
5. Await award notification. NDUS reviews applications, confirms employer matches, and issues award letters detailing the scholarship amount and disbursement schedule. Funds are applied directly to your student account each semester.

Employer partnership strategies

• Pitch the return on investment. Emphasize that employer dollars are matched by the state, doubling the support and helping secure skilled workers.
• Align with workforce plans. Identify employers facing retirements or expansion. Present a career plan that includes internships, co-ops, or part-time work during school.
• Offer retention commitments. Employers appreciate formal agreements outlining your intent to work for them after graduation. Work with NDUS to draft memoranda of understanding (MOUs).
• Leverage chambers and industry groups. Organizations like the Greater North Dakota Chamber and regional economic development councils promote the scholarship. Attend networking events to meet potential sponsors.

Academic planning and support

• Create a two-year roadmap. Map courses semester-by-semester to ensure you complete program requirements within the funding window. Include prerequisites, labs, and clinical rotations.
• Use advising and tutoring. Maintain the required GPA by attending tutoring sessions, study groups, and office hours. Many technical programs have supplemental instruction for challenging courses like anatomy, welding theory, or advanced math.
• Document hands-on learning. Keep a portfolio of labs, projects, and certifications. Employers value tangible evidence of skills.
• Coordinate work schedules. Balance part-time employment with coursework. Many employer sponsors offer flexible scheduling to support academic success.

Financial management

The Career Builder Scholarship covers up to $17,000, but costs can exceed that amount. Maximize resources by:

• Filing the FAFSA to access Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study, and subsidized loans.
• Applying for institutional scholarships, tribal scholarships, or community foundation awards.
• Budgeting for housing, transportation, and tools. Some employer partners provide additional stipends for equipment or relocation.
• Participating in paid internships, apprenticeships, or cooperative education for extra income and experience.

Maintaining eligibility

• Academic performance: Meet GPA and completion rate requirements. Falling below standards can result in probation or loss of funding. Communicate early with advisors if challenges arise.
• Enrollment changes: Notify NDUS if you reduce credits, switch majors, or transfer institutions. Ensure the new path remains on the approved list.
• Employer engagement: Maintain communication with your employer sponsor through progress reports, site visits, or mentorship meetings.
• Annual recertification: Some awards require updated documentation each academic year. Submit transcripts, schedules, and employer confirmation promptly.

Post-graduation obligations

Within six months of completing your program, you must begin working in North Dakota in a related occupation. Requirements include:

• Employment verification: Submit documentation to NDUS showing employer name, job title, start date, and job duties.
• Three-year commitment: Remain employed in-state for at least three consecutive years. If you leave early or move out of state, the scholarship converts to a loan that must be repaid prorated to the unserved portion.
• Extensions and hardship waivers: NDUS may grant extensions for graduate school, military service, or medical leave if you communicate proactively and provide documentation.

Career advancement resources

• Job Service North Dakota: Offers resume workshops, career fairs, and labor market data to support job searches.
• Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) partnerships: Some programs integrate safety certifications valued by employers.
• Professional associations: Join organizations relevant to your field (e.g., North Dakota Nurses Association, North Dakota Society of Professional Engineers) for networking and continuing education.
• Graduate pathways: If you continue into a bachelor’s or master’s program, coordinate with NDUS to explore additional funding or employer sponsorships.

Troubleshooting and appeals

If your application is denied due to missing documentation or lack of employer match, you can reapply once issues are resolved. NDUS staff can help identify alternative employers or clarify program eligibility. Should you face academic difficulties, request tutoring and consider a reduced course load with advisor approval. For unforeseen hardships, submit a written appeal with supporting documents; the Career Builders committee reviews requests case-by-case.

The North Dakota Career Builder Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity to finance education while connecting directly with employers eager to hire skilled talent. By cultivating strong employer relationships, staying academically focused, and fulfilling post-graduation commitments, you can leverage the program to build a resilient, rewarding career in North Dakota.