BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum today announced the sponsors currently committed for Dakota Strike, a first-of-its-kind, multi-industry career expo aimed at addressing the state’s workforce shortage and highlighting the importance of 21st century skills. The Dakota Strike career expo will take place April 8 at the Fargodome.
“These sponsors are investing in our future as a state, and we are grateful for the incredible commitment to helping students and our economy succeed in an increasingly global economy,” Burgum said. “This unique event is the place to be April 8 for students, jobseekers and employers from every industry who are committed to helping our state thrive.”
Supernova-level sponsors encompass industry, event coordinators and in-kind contributors and include: Palo Alto Networks, Microsoft Corp., Emerging Prairie, BEK Communications, NICERC, SkySkopes, Cybernet Security, Flag Family Media, the North Dakota Department of Commerce, North Dakota Information Technology and EduTech. Military partners include North Dakota Army National Guard and Air National Guard, U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Twin Cities Recruiting Station, U.S. Navy Talent Acquisition Group, the Fargo Military Entrance Processing Station/Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Program, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, and the Navy Operational Support Center Fargo. AT&T is an Accelerator sponsor.
Innovator-level sponsors include the North Dakota State Electrical Board, Minnkota Power Cooperative, Goodnight MidStream, Sanford Health, Collins Aerospace, North Dakota State College of Science, Lake Region State College and the North Dakota Aviation Council. Champion-level sponsors include Cass County Electric, Network Center Inc., Doosan Bobcat, Sea View Farm, Bismarck State College, Mayville State University, Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. and Gateway to Science.
A limited number of booths are still available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The deadline to register for exhibit booths is March 11. A limited number of stipends for schools attending the event from outside the immediate radius are also available to cover travel, meals or substitute teacher expenses. The event provides a wonderful opportunity for students to meet the governor and other state leaders. Interested schools should reach out to Tabitha Teel at Tabitha.teel@k12.nd.us. Schools are also encouraged to register at www.dakotastrike.nd.gov.
The Dakota Strike team includes military, public and private sector partners who created the career expo as an opportunity for students in grades 7 to 12 and college to explore dozens of careers and thousands of job openings available in North Dakota, with an emphasis on technology as a foundational element. According to a recent Job Service Labor Demand Survey Report, the state had nearly 30,000 job openings statewide.
This event builds on a statewide focus on innovative education and providing foundational 21st century skills such as computer science and cybersecurity that are valuable in virtually any career field. Additional unique aspects of the event include:
- A Mobile Application Competition with cash prizes;
- A Capture the Flag cybersecurity competition that will be held in advance of the event, with winners announced at the event;
- An eSports gaming experience;
- Multiple simulator experiences including virtual reality, cyber and aviation-based opportunities.
The event is free and open to the public.