BREAKING: More than 1,100 middle school students descended upon East Grand Forks this week to explore diverse career paths at the Youth T4 Summit. Held on July 13-14 at Northland Community and Technical College, this event aims to connect young learners with local industry professionals, showcasing the wealth of opportunities available right in their own communities.
The summit, now in its second year, featured five engaging sessions focused on careers in healthcare, construction, energy, agriculture, and more. Each session spanned 35 minutes, ensuring students gained a comprehensive view of various industries. “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,” stated Shawn Brink, a state energy education coordinator, during his opening remarks.
Brink emphasized the importance of keeping North Dakota and Minnesota youth local. His commitment to career exploration is evident as he urged students 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. So keep an open mind and have fun.”
The T4 Summit, which stands for tools, trades, torque, and technology, began in Watford City in 2019 with just a handful of businesses. It has since expanded, now reaching eight cities across North Dakota and Minnesota, including Bismarck and Devil’s Lake. The summit is designed to present students with hands-on experiences rather than the traditional career fair format, which Brink noted can often fail to engage youth effectively.
Grand Forks Public Schools’ executive director of career and technical education, Eric Ripley, also spoke at the summit, highlighting the necessity of exposing students to a wide array of career options. He referred to a “pyramid of career development,” encouraging younger students to explore extensively before narrowing their choices as they progress through their education.
Attendance at the summit was robust, with schools from across the Greater Grand Forks area participating. On the first day, students from six schools, including East Grand Forks Central Middle School and Fosston Middle School, attended. The following day saw participation from schools such as Schroeder Middle School and Thompson Public School.
Brink confirmed that interest in the summit is surging as awareness of career and technical education grows. He stated, “If you build it, they’ll come,” underscoring the demand for such programs in the region.
Organizers are now focusing on involving more local businesses to enhance future summits. “We need more businesses of all kinds to get involved,” Brink said, promising support for businesses unsure of how to contribute.
With the summit hitting capacity and the demand for engaging career exploration rising, the Youth T4 Summit stands as a crucial stepping stone for local students eager to understand their future career prospects. The impact of such initiatives is clear: they not only prepare students for the workforce but also encourage them to envision a future within their own communities.
Stay tuned for further updates on local educational initiatives and their growing impact on students in the Greater Grand Forks area.
