Community Partners
Succeed 2020 aims to improve North Dakota’s education and workforce development systems and increase students’ achievement in middle grades and high school, access to and success in postsecondary education, and preparation for 21st century careers.
By 2018, 70 percent of jobs in North Dakota will require some postsecondary training beyond high school.1 North Dakota’s demand for postsecondary education will rank second in the United States by 2018.2 According to the U.S. Census Bureau, less than 70 percent of 25–64-old year adults in North Dakota have some postsecondary education, and this number is dropping.3
In 2012, nearly 28 percent of first time freshmen in the North Dakota University System needed remedial coursework.4 Research suggests students who need remedial coursework are less likely to complete postsecondary education. Recent data show that North Dakota students have one of the highest high school graduation rates in the nation and below average rates for on-time college completion.
Businesses, postsecondary institutions, and non-profit partners can help address these challenging issues by supporting Succeed 2020.
How can businesses contribute?
Businesses can work closely with schools to inform coursework and curriculum. Work-based learning activities that range from serving as a guest speaker in a classroom to hosting a student or a teacher in the workplace are other examples of ways that businesses can contribute.
How can postsecondary institutions contribute?
The connection between high schools and the postsecondary institutions their students attend is vital to student success. Too often, high schools and postsecondary institutions do not communicate about how to prepare students to make this important transition. REAs can work with postsecondary institutions to facilitate these conversations. These conversations, supplemented by better student data, can help close the knowledge and skills gaps between high school and postsecondary education. For example, these conversations can help high schools better prepare students for college level math.
How can non-profit partners contribute?
Succeed 2020 programs are tailored to the needs of each region. In some regions, non-profit partners are providing tutoring and mentoring services. In other regions, non-profit partners have strengthened the relationships between REAs and local businesses.
Learn more about the REA serving your region.
Learn more about Succeed 2020’s recent achievements.
Contact your REA to identify ways your business can support Succeed 2020.
- Center on Education and the Workforce. North Dakota Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements Through 2018. Available at https://cew.georgetown.edu/jobs2018/states
- Ibid.
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2011 American Community Survey
- North Dakota State University System. 2013 Fall Enrollment. Available at: http://www.ndus.nodak.edu/uploads/reports/118/ndus-2013-fall-enrollment.pdf