Photo by Max Fischer from Pexels

By Lucy Wyndham

While fewer students have been signing up for courses at higher learning institutions, North Dakota has seen a smaller reduction in student enrollment than anywhere else in the US.

There are currently 20 colleges and universities altogether in the State’s higher education system, the majority of which are public institutions. A recent collaboration between two of the institutions will help nursing students reach their educational goals. In addition, support is widely available for North Dakota students throughout their education, from funding for young school children impacted by the pandemic to university wellness centers helping postgraduates cope with the stress of university.

Universities Support Student Health and Wellness

Revising for exams can be overwhelming at any education level but it can be particularly stressful for students preparing to take standardized tests required for admission to grad school. Dealing effectively with stress and anxiety not only helps students to reach their next academic goal, but can also ensure they have the life skills to cope once they finally graduate and leave an educational setting. From the award-winning Wellness Center at the University of North Dakota to the Mystic Advising and Counseling Center at Bismarck State College, North Dakota’s colleges are well-equipped to support student welfare.  At these college centers, students can access a variety of programs from personal training to wellness education, or receive professional counseling on both academic and personal matters.

Online High Schools Meet a Range of Educational Needs

An independent guide to education has recently named the North Dakota Center for Distance Learning as one of the best online high schools. The center’s mission is to offer all North Dakota students equal educational opportunities and access to high-quality accredited teaching and effective learning techniques regardless of where they are based. Some students struggle academically and emotionally in a traditional high school setting. With fewer distractions, students studying online are able to focus better on their studies and even advance through the curriculum more quickly. With customizable online teaching, their individual needs are met and they are able to successfully obtain their high school diploma.

Funding for K-12 Schools Helps Students Catch Up

To help school children prepare for further education, K12 schools in North Dakota are being given extra money to address the impact of the pandemic on teaching. In August, the Department of Education confirmed the distribution of the state’s remaining funds from the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief plan, totaling $305 million altogether.  Some of the federal resources will be used to make up for lost instructional time during school closures. Implementing summer schools, blended online and classroom instruction, and other evidence-based interventions will help to meet the emotional and academic needs of students, particularly those most negatively affected during the pandemic.

Educational institutions throughout North Dakota are supporting students both emotionally and academically. With the help of Initiatives, programs and alternative learning opportunities students of all ages are helped to reach their full potential.