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BSC artificial intelligence program receives 2026 NDACTE Innovative Program Award | Bismarck State College

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BSC artificial intelligence program receives 2026 NDACTE Innovative Program Award

Published: Aug 18 2026
BSC artificial intelligence program receives 2026 NDACTE Innovative Program Award - Photo
Bismarck State College (BSC) has been recognized by the North Dakota Association for Career and Technical Education (NDACTE) with its 2026 Innovative Program Award for BSC’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

The award recognizes innovative career and technical education programs in North Dakota that are unique, novel and advance the image and impact of career and technical education. BSC’s Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning program is the first two-year applied artificial intelligence degree program in North Dakota and was developed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving workforce increasingly influenced by AI and machine learning technologies.

“This award is a tremendous recognition of the vision and work that went into creating a program designed not only for where technology is today, but for where industry is headed,” said Mari Volk, BSC dean of Current and Emerging Technologies.

Designed around BSC’s stackable approach to education, the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning AAS includes certificates in Foundations in Emerging Technologies, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialist, General Education and Cybersecurity. Students can earn credentials along the way as they progress toward the associate degree.

Graduates who want to continue their education can then apply their AAS toward BSC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Intelligent Machine Learning, creating a pathway from certificates to an associate degree and ultimately a bachelor’s degree in the field.

As the use of artificial intelligence expands, the need for workers with AI and machine learning skills is expected to grow across industries. The BSC program prepares students for career opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science and analysis, business intelligence and computer systems analysis.

“Artificial intelligence is changing how work is done across nearly every industry. At BSC, our goal is to give students practical, applied skills they can take directly into the workforce while also creating a pathway for them to continue building their education as the technology and their careers evolve,” Volk said.

The program’s reach extends beyond traditional college students. The Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning AAS has been accepted by the U.S. Naval Community College (USNCC) as an educational option for eligible military personnel. BSC also offers AI 100: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence as a dual credit course, giving high school students an opportunity to explore artificial intelligence and begin earning college credit in the field.

BSC’s Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning program is also part of the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC), which supports the development of applied AI education and provides training and resources for faculty.

NDACTE is committed to advancing education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. The association represents career and technical education professionals throughout North Dakota, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors and career development professionals, and supports CTE through advocacy, public awareness, professional development, resources and leadership opportunities.

BSC academic leadership, faculty and staff accepted the Innovative Program Award during the NDACTE Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Bismarck Event Center. The ceremony, held in conjunction with the North Dakota Career and Technical Education Professional Development Conference, recognizes outstanding CTE educators and programs from across the state. The BSC program will now advance to be recognized at the Association for Career and Technical Education Region V Conference in April 2027, in Colorado Springs, Colo.
 
PHOTO:
Back row, from left: BSC Professor of Computer and Office Technologies Vickie Volk; BSC Dean of Current and Emerging Technologies Mari Volk; BSC Vice President for Academic Affairs Alicia Uhde   
Front row, from left: BSC Professor Emeritus and architect of the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning program Dr. Lynette Borjeson Painter; first graduate of the BSC Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning program Zachary Weinberger; BSC Associate Professor of Computers and Office Technology Amy Helgeson