UPDATE: Over 1,100 middle school students are currently exploring diverse career paths with industry professionals at the Youth T4 Summit in East Grand Forks, taking place on July 13-14, 2023. This vital event is designed to inform and inspire students about high-paying job opportunities in their local communities.
Held at Northland Community and Technical College for the second consecutive year, the summit has quickly become a key event for career exploration in the Greater Grand Forks region. Students are participating in five interactive sessions, each lasting 35 minutes, focusing on critical industries: healthcare, construction, energy, agriculture, and miscellaneous sectors.
According to Shawn Brink, a state energy education coordinator, the summit aims to retain young talent in the region. “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,” he stated during his opening remarks.
The T4 Summit, which stands for tools, trades, torque, and technology, originated in Watford City in 2019 with limited local participation. Since then, it has expanded to eight cities across North Dakota and Minnesota, reflecting its growing popularity among students and educators alike.
Brink emphasized that the T4 Summit differs from traditional career fairs. “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,” he explained. This hands-on approach provides students with the confidence to engage with professionals.
Eric Ripley, the Executive Director of Career and Technical Education for Grand Forks Public Schools, highlighted the importance of such events. He described a “pyramid of career development,” urging students to explore a wide range of options early in their education. “When you get to high school, you can start picking and choosing courses that align with what you think you might want to do,” he added.
With the capacity reached in East Grand Forks, there is a pressing need for more local businesses to participate in future summits. Brink noted that plans are underway to engage additional industry partners. “We will help train the trainer. If they’re not sure what they can do, my team will come in and work with them,” he said.
The summit has seen enthusiastic participation, with different groups attending each day. On Thursday, schools including East Grand Forks Central, Grand Forks South, and Dakota Prairie took part, while Friday welcomed students from institutions like Schroeder Middle School and Twining Middle School.
As interest in career and technical education surges, Brink remains optimistic. “If you build it, they’ll come,” he concluded, emphasizing the growing awareness and demand for such career exploration events.
This event not only educates but also inspires the next generation of workers, ensuring they are aware of the robust career opportunities available right in their own backyards.
