Building the workforce of the future, right here at home

On a bright August morning, community leaders, educators, and industry partners gathered in south Fargo to cut a ribbon. In truth, they were opening doors. Doors to opportunity, innovation, and a stronger workforce for our region.

The ribbon-cutting for the new Career Innovation Center (CIC) marked more than just the completion of a building. It marked the beginning of a new era in career and technical education, where high schoolers, college students, and lifelong learners alike will gain the hands-on skills North Dakota’s economy needs most. For Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC), the story is clear: This is about powering the next generation of workforce and ensuring opportunity stays rooted in our communities.

From vision to reality

The CIC has been in the making a long time. More than a decade ago, then-NDSCS president John Richmond dreamed of a place where students of all ages—from first graders to adults seeking new skills—could come together to learn and imagine. That dream took root in a cornfield in 2021 when ground was broken on the south Fargo site.

By August 2025, the dream stood tall as an 87,000-square-foot facility designed to serve 2,500 students annually. Nearly $35 million in funding, including $12 million in federal support, made the center possible. The project represents a true community effort, uniting NDSCS, Fargo, West Fargo, Northern Cass, and Central Cass schools, along with legislators, local governments, donors, and industry partners.

“This is more than just a ceremonial act,” said NDSCS President Dr. Rockey Flanagan. “This is a promise to all of the students who will enter this building, that we will provide them the tools they need to be successful.”

Building a workforce pipeline

The CIC is not simply a school. It is a workforce pipeline, designed to meet the critical employment needs of North Dakota by connecting students directly with career opportunities.

Students will explore fields such as:

• Allied Health: nursing, EMS, pharmacy tech
• Agriculture and Precision Technology
• Construction and Building Trades: plumbing, HVAC, electrical, construction
• Manufacturing: robotics, automation, machining, 3D printing
• Business, Marketing, and Management
• Computer Science: cybersecurity, AI
• General Education: English, math, and science courses for dual credit

Phase I includes classrooms and labs for nursing, pharmacy, agriculture, and business, along with flexible collaboration spaces. Future expansions will add advanced robotics, manufacturing, and engineering. The design emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning with lab work, technical training, job shadowing, and internships that prepare students for real-world careers.

“These are great careers, and it’s an affordable education that’s right on target,” said U.S. Senator John Hoeven at the opening.
Voices of educators

While the ribbon cutting showcased community pride, the true excitement lies with the educators who will bring the building to life. They see firsthand how the CIC will change the classroom experience and open new doors for students.

“The CIC is a shining example of the power of public and private partnerships,” said Dr. Cory Steiner, Fargo Public Schools Superintendent. “For more than a decade, conversations about what could be have now become reality. The CIC represents an incredible opportunity for our region—not only to address workforce needs, but also to give students the chance to pursue their passions. It will quickly become a hub for solving challenges in our community by investing in our greatest resource: our people.”

Educators emphasize that the CIC provides access for students across Cass County, including those from smaller districts who may not otherwise have these opportunities. It also strengthens dual-credit pathways, allowing high school students to earn college credit in trades and technical programs while preparing for high-demand jobs.

Why it matters to CCEC

For CCEC, the opening of the CIC reflects more than a milestone in education. It represents the values we live every day: community, accountability, safety, innovation, and integrity.

Many of the careers taught at the CIC—electrical trades, engineers, IT—are the very fields CCEC depends on to deliver reliable, affordable power to our members. By investing in technical education, the region is also investing in the people who will keep our lights on, maintain critical infrastructure, and build the communities we call home.

“At Cass County Electric, we know our future depends on a strong local workforce. Facilities like the CIC ensure tomorrow’s skilled professionals are trained right here at home,” said Chad Brousseau, VP of member and energy services at CCEC.

Looking ahead

The ribbon may already be cut, but the real work is just beginning. As students and educators settle into the space, the CIC will evolve, grow, and expand, shaping the workforce of tomorrow and offering new opportunities for generations to come.

It is, as President Flanagan said, more than a building. It is a promise. A promise that young people in our communities will have the chance to learn, grow, and thrive in the very careers that keep North Dakota moving forward.

For CCEC, it’s a reminder of what we believe: When we invest in people, we invest in the future. Together, we power possibility.