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BSC implements $830,000 grant from U.S. Economic Development Administration | Bismarck State College

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BSC implements $830,000 grant from U.S. Economic Development Administration

Published: Jan 07 2020
BSC implements $830,000 grant from U.S. Economic Development Administration - Photo
An award of $415,256 from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is helping Bismarck State College (BSC) equip its new Health Sciences facility with high-tech equipment for enhanced workforce training. The grant is a 50 percent cost share for the $830,000 project. This is the first EDA grant made in North Dakota under its Assistance to Coal Communities funding.
 
BSC recently moved its Health Sciences program from its 15,000 square foot downtown location to a newly renovated facility next to campus offering double the training space. The award from the EDA will help the college equip its expanded lab and classroom space for Nursing, Surgical Technology, Paramedic Technology, Emergency Medical Services, Medical Lab Technician, and Certified Nursing Assistant. With a critical workforce demand for health professionals in the state, providing more training space to increase enrollment will support the local economy, increasing investment and employment in an important industry.
 
“EDA is proud to partner with Bismarck State College to help diversify the regional economy and prepare tomorrow’s workforce for in-demand jobs,” said Angela Belden Martinez, Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. “EDA can play a unique role in supporting communities in transition through our nimble and flexible portfolio of programs and funding. We are confident that through this grant, BSC will play a critical role in supporting and growing the healthcare industry in North Dakota.”
 
Funds from the grant will be a variety of items, including interactive video systems for distance Health Sciences education, specialized instruments for lab exercises, audio/visual equipment for simulation and observation rooms, and more.

“This grant is allowing BSC to expand and enhance these critical programs that support the health industry all across the state,” said Dr. Larry C. Skogen, BSC President. “Our healthcare programs are in high demand, and we appreciate the support of the U.S. Economic Development Administration so we can expand these programs and serve more students.”