VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – Classes of a different kind were in session at Valley City State University (VCSU) on Thursday, Jan. 4. Instead of the regular enrollees, the campus was full of almost 400 third to eighth-grade students from area schools including Washington Elementary, Barnes County North, Central Cass, Maple Valley, Milnor and Litchville-Marion.
Students were taking classes from local experts and learning about various jobs in different sectors. From surveying to astronomy, aviation, financial services, border patrol, electricity, and window production, the class sessions were numerous and varied. The event included a Hall of Great Ideas for students to showcase projects and ideas they developed.
“It is a great event and we are happy to have these young students on our campus,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Larry Brooks said. “Many of our faculty and staff helped teach classes and connect with students and it’s great to see their interest in a variety of areas.”
The event began with the Presentation of Colors by Boy Scout Troop #560 and Valley City Public School fifth-grade student Sullivan Peterson singing the national anthem. President Alan LaFave and Mayor Dave Carlsrud welcomed the young learners to the community. More than 100 individuals supported the event as volunteers, guides, presenters, chaperones and teachers throughout the day.
Seeds for the program were planted in 1996 when an adult event called Marketplace of Ideas began. It was designed to connect entrepreneurs in North Dakota. A version for young learners was created shortly thereafter. Bob Heitkamp was involved early on with the Marketplace of Ideas, and found himself teaching a course about entrepreneurship during a Marketplace for Kids event. Eventually, he became the second executive director for Marketplace for Kids.
Next year Heitkamp is anticipating having 13 events throughout North Dakota and into Montana with more than 6,000 youth expected to participate.
“What we’re trying to do with Marketplace for Kids is show students the options they have in their community,” Heitkamp said. Not only does the event teach students about a wide variety of topics, but it encourages future entrepreneurship. Heitkamp said he recently spoke with a young adult in Fargo that was working to become a business owner, and was a former participant as a kid. “He said, ‘I will own my own business one day. This is just a step along the way,’” Heitkamp said. “That’s the coolest thing ever.”
For more information about participating or supporting Marketplace for Kids, visit https://marketplaceforkids.