UPDATE: Over 1,100 middle school students are actively exploring career paths at the Youth T4 Summit in East Grand Forks, a two-day event held on July 20-21, 2023, at Northland Community and Technical College. This summit is designed to connect local youth with industry professionals, showcasing high-paying job opportunities in the region.
The Youth T4 Summit, now in its second year, is an urgent initiative aimed at retaining young talent in North Dakota and Minnesota. During the summit, students participated in five interactive sessions covering essential industries, including healthcare, construction, energy, agriculture, and more. The goal is to inspire students by demonstrating that lucrative careers await them right in their communities.
Shawn Brink, a state energy education coordinator, emphasized the importance of keeping young people in the area. “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 summit’s name, T4, stands for tools, trades, torque, and technology, reflecting its focus on practical careers.
Each student attended five 35-minute sessions, specifically designed to engage them in hands-on experiences rather than traditional presentations. Brink noted, “This is career exploration. We want you to experience things you haven’t even thought about.”
Eric Ripley, executive director of career and technical education for Grand Forks Public Schools, shared insights on the importance of broad career exposure for young students. He referred to a “pyramid of career development,” suggesting that students should explore numerous options early on, narrowing their choices as they advance through their education.
What sets the T4 Summit apart from traditional career fairs is its emphasis on creating meaningful interactions between students and industry leaders. Brink explained, “It bridges that communication gap that kids have when they go to a traditional career fair and don’t know how to strike up a conversation.”
The summit witnessed a significant turnout, filling capacity at multiple locations. With a growing interest in career and technical education, organizers are working to involve more local businesses. Brink stated, “We need more businesses of all kinds to get involved. We will help train the trainer.”
On Thursday, students from schools including East Grand Forks Central Middle School and Grand Forks South Middle School participated, while schools like Schroeder Middle School and Larimore Public School attended on Friday.
The Youth T4 Summit is not just a learning experience; it’s a critical opportunity for students to envision their futures while fostering local economic growth. With increasing support for career exploration initiatives, the summit serves as a vital platform for shaping the next generation of skilled professionals.
Stay tuned for more updates as the impact of this summit resonates throughout the Greater Grand Forks region.
