BSC received North Dakota’s first Work-force Enhancement Grant during campus ceremonies with Gov. John Hoeven May 16. The grant will support BSC’s efforts to bring new workers into the state’s energy industry.

President Larry Skogen accepted the check for $496,826, a dollar for dollar match against funds provided by 17 private sector companies involved in energy generation and services.

“It’s absolutely vital that BSC continues to respond to the energy industry needs,” Skogen said. “The governor and Legislature have provided us the means to do that through this generous grant opportunity.”

The $1 million of combined private and public funds will expand BSC’s Power Plant Technology, Process Plant Technology, and Mechanical Maintenance programs and help establish the new Instrumentation and Control Technology program.

Kari L. Knudson, BSC vice president, energy technology programs and director, National Energy Center of Excellence, said, “This grant will enable us to continue purchasing state-of-the-art equipment for our power and process labs, which will prepare our students for jobs in the energy industry.”

Grant funds will be used to purchase plant equipment demonstration models and trainers and power and process simulation software. The grant also funds equipment, on-campus and online curriculum development, instructor training and certification, and student recruitment for the Instrumentation and Control program, the first of its kind in North Dakota.

Established by the 2007 Legislature, the grant program was developed as an alternative to funding workforce training initiatives through the state’s Centers of Excellence program, an economic development vehicle. BSC’s new energy education building, now designated the National Energy Center ofExcellence, received $3 million from the Centers of Excellence program in 2005.