Career Innovation Center update

Category: Build-Remodel-Topics
11/10/2023

‘Phase two’ begins with open date slated for fall 2025

Work continues on the North Dakota State College of Science Career Innovation Center located at 4230 64th Ave. S. in Fargo. CIC aims to provide a regional and collaborative education and training solution to meet the workforce needs of our region.

Initially slated to open in August of 2022, complications with moisture and supplies pushed the timeframe to June 2023. With funding issues arising and a change in architects, it was again pushed out. Despite a few setbacks, the NDSCS Foundation anticipates opening the center’s doors in the fall of 2025. 

CTE Director for the Cass County Career & Technical Education Consortium Dr. Denise Jonas has been involved in the project since the start.

 

She explained that the delays have had a silver lining. The extra time has allowed for more extensive programming and planning, ensuring that the center will meet the needs of students, faculty and the community.

 

The core and shell of the project's first phase is complete. Starting the week of Oct. 16, construction for phase two commenced. This stage includes the classrooms for construction and agriculture. These hands-on learning environments will equip students with the skills they need to thrive in these industries.

Future construction classroom and lab.

 

 

Exterior of the CIC. 

 

The NDSCS Career Innovation Center has been a labor of love for many, with your HBA of F-M and Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation playing a pivotal role in its development. Your efforts and support have been instrumental in bringing this project to life. 

 
Elizabeth Kosel, HBA Education & Public Affairs Coordinator (left) and Carlita Dietz, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties, Home Builders Care Foundation Fundraising Committee member, at a tour of the facility in October.

 

With a vision of providing opportunities for K-14 students, the CIC will serve as a learning space for students from Northern Cass Schools, Central Cass School District, West Fargo Public Schools, Fargo Public Schools and NDSCS. The goal is to provide opportunities for students to be introduced to a variety of programs that don’t require a four-year degree at a young age, and a space to experience hands-on learning.

The CIC covers more than 85,000 sq. ft. of space and encompasses a wide array of programs, including construction, information technology, health sciences (with a focus on nursing and emergency medical techicians), manufacturing (automation, robotics, mechatronics, precision machining, rapid prototyping, welding), business, general education (english, math, science, communication) and agriculture. This comprehensive range of offerings reflects the needs of employers in our community and considers the diverse needs of the future workforce. 

For a view of renderings, click here. 

We are excited to see the center in operation and creating positive experiences for students in our area.

written by Elizabeth Kosel, Education & Public Affairs Coordinator