UPDATE: Over 1,100 middle school students are currently exploring exciting career paths with local professionals at the Youth T4 Summit in East Grand Forks. The event is taking place on October 19-20, 2023, at Northland Community and Technical College, where students are engaged in hands-on learning sessions designed to ignite interest in various industries.
The Youth T4 Summit, now in its second year, offers students the chance to participate in five interactive sessions focused on key industries, including healthcare, construction, energy, agriculture, and more. This initiative aims to showcase lucrative career opportunities within the Greater Grand Forks region, encouraging students to envision their futures locally.
“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,”
said Shawn Brink, a state energy education coordinator, during his opening remarks.
Brink emphasized the summit’s goal of retaining young talent in North Dakota and Minnesota. He urges students to maintain an open mind during their sessions: “You’re going to be surprised by the things that you like that you didn’t think you would ever care for.”
Eric Ripley, executive director of career and technical education for Grand Forks Public Schools, highlighted the importance of exposing students to a variety of career options. He introduced a “pyramid of career development” concept, encouraging students to explore broadly before narrowing their focus in high school.
This year’s summit has reached capacity, with students attending from various schools, including East Grand Forks Central Middle School, Grand Forks South Middle School, and Fosston Middle School. The event’s growth reflects an increasing interest in career and technical education, aligning with state priorities.
Brink noted, “If you build it, they’ll come,” stressing the need for more local businesses to participate in future summits. The T4 Summit, which stands for tools, trades, torque, and technology, has expanded since its inception in 2019, now reaching eight cities across the region.
As students engage in these transformative experiences, the summit not only addresses immediate career exploration but also lays the groundwork for the future workforce in North Dakota and Minnesota. With increased collaborations between schools and industries, the Youth T4 Summit is setting a precedent for educational events focused on real-world applications.
Stay tuned for further updates on this impactful initiative as it continues to evolve and expand, fostering the next generation of skilled professionals in our communities.
