BREAKING: Over 1,100 middle school students from the Greater Grand Forks area are actively exploring career paths with industry professionals at the Youth T4 Summit in East Grand Forks this week. The event, held at Northland Community and Technical College on July 20 and 21, is designed to showcase high-paying job opportunities right in their communities.
The summit is making waves with its hands-on approach, focusing on career exploration in critical sectors such as healthcare, construction, energy, and agriculture. “My goal is to keep North Dakota and Minnesota kids in our state,” said Shawn Brink, a state energy education coordinator, during his opening remarks. “We want to show you that there are high-paying jobs, so you can stay in your communities, raise your families, and be productive citizens.”
This marks the second consecutive year the T4 Summit has taken place in East Grand Forks, following its inception in 2019 in Watford City. Since then, it has expanded significantly, now hosting summits in eight cities across North Dakota and Minnesota.
Students are engaged in five 35-minute sessions, each tailored to different industries. They are encouraged to keep an open mind as they navigate through sessions that highlight careers they may not have previously considered. “What I ask of you is to keep an open mind. You’re going to be surprised by the things that you like that you didn’t think you would ever care for,” Brink emphasized.
Eric Ripley, the executive director of career and technical education for Grand Forks Public Schools, explained the importance of exposing students to diverse career paths. He introduced the concept of a “pyramid of career development,” suggesting that younger students should explore a vast array of options before narrowing their focus as they progress through school.
Unlike traditional career fairs, the T4 Summit fosters direct communication between students and industry leaders. Brink explained, “It bridges that communication gap that kids have when they go to a traditional career fair and they don’t know how to strike up a conversation.” This interactive model is proving popular, as multiple cities have already reached capacity.
The two-day summit is divided by attendance, with different groups of students participating each day. On Thursday, students from East Grand Forks Central Middle School, Grand Forks South Middle School, Dakota Prairie School, and others attended. Friday’s sessions welcomed students from schools including Schroeder Middle School and Larimore Public School.
Brink noted that interest in the summit continues to grow, particularly as career and technical education gains traction statewide. “If you build it, they’ll come,” he remarked, highlighting the need for more local businesses to participate in future events.
As the Youth T4 Summit continues, it remains a pivotal platform for shaping the future workforce of North Dakota and Minnesota. The event is not just about career exploration; it’s about inspiring the next generation to envision their futures right at home.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
