UPDATE: More than 1,100 middle school students are actively exploring future career paths at the Youth T4 Summit in East Grand Forks, taking place on July 20-21, 2023. This vibrant event is hosted at Northland Community and Technical College and aims to connect students with local industry professionals.
The Youth T4 Summit is in its second year and is rapidly making an impact on the Greater Grand Forks region. Students are participating in five focused learning sessions, each lasting 35 minutes, highlighting career opportunities in critical sectors such as healthcare, construction, energy, agriculture, and more.
Shawn Brink, a state energy education coordinator, emphasized the summit’s mission during his opening remarks. “My goal is to keep North Dakota and Minnesota kids in our state and show you careers that are out there,” he stated. Brink aims to demonstrate that there are high-paying jobs available locally, encouraging students to envision their futures within their communities.
The summit, which stands for tools, trades, torque, and technology, has expanded significantly since its inception in 2019. Originally launched in Watford City, North Dakota, it now spans eight cities, including Bismarck and Bottineau, reflecting a growing interest and demand for career education.
Unlike traditional career fairs, the T4 Summit focuses on hands-on experiences that foster deeper connections between students and industry experts. Brink noted, “It bridges that communication gap that kids have when they go to a traditional career fair.” This unique approach is proving effective, with the summit reaching capacity in East Grand Forks and other participating cities.
Eric Ripley, executive director of career and technical education for Grand Forks Public Schools, reinforced the importance of broad career exposure. He explained the concept of a “pyramid of career development,” urging students to explore a wide array of options early on. “What we’re trying to do is get that pyramid from a wide base and start narrowing our way up the field,” he said, setting the stage for informed choices as they progress through their education.
The summit is structured to ensure every participant experiences all five industry sessions, further broadening their understanding of potential career paths. Brink encouraged students to “keep an open mind” and be ready to discover interests they hadn’t previously considered.
Interest in the summit continues to rise, with a call for more local businesses to engage in future events. Brink stated, “We need more businesses of all kinds to get involved.” He assured potential participants that support would be provided to help them create impactful activities for students.
Each day of the summit welcomes a different group of students from various schools, including East Grand Forks Central Middle School and Dakota Prairie School on Thursday, followed by students from Thompson Public School and others on Friday.
As career and technical education gains momentum in the region, the Youth T4 Summit is paving the way for the next generation of skilled professionals. “If you build it, they’ll come,” Brink concluded, highlighting the event’s growing popularity and significance.
Stay tuned for more updates as this transformative event continues to unfold, shaping the future of local youth and the workforce landscape.
