The NDSU College of Business and Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business recently hosted a group of Northern Cass High School students as part of a dual credit course.
North Dakota State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business and College of Business recently hosted a group of 21 high school students from Northern Cass High School to share ideas and learn about entrepreneurship.
“I am so happy that NDSU had the opportunity to host this amazing group of high school students from Northern Cass. I strongly believe that having the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship in high school is a huge advantage,” said Onnolee Nordstrom, NDSU Ozbun Chair of Entrepreneurship. “In addition to them getting college credit, they develop an entrepreneurial mindset, network, work on their problem-solving skills, learn about failure and improve their communication skills.”
The Northern Cass visit is part of a partnership with NDSU that merges a university entrepreneurship class and a Northern Cass High School class with an opportunity for the students to create and operate their own entrepreneurial business. The students will get both high school and college credit for the class.
Mackenzie Tadych teaches the class at Northern Cass with collaboration from NDSU’s Rajani Pillai, Onnolee Nordstrom and Ryan McCollum.
"Being able to partner with NDSU for dual credit entrepreneurship has taught our learners to think creatively, take initiative, and build critical problem-solving skills,” said Tadych, the director of college, career and life readiness at Northern Cass. “NDSU takes the opportunity to the next level, providing learners with real-world experiences, mentorship, and the tools to transform ideas into action. This partnership has created the ability for learners to network in high school, truly laying a strong foundation for future success in their career journey."
This joint class is a new way NDSU can offer high school students opportunities to earn college credit with a class in their high schools that also gives them access to NDSU facilities, resources and faculty.
A highlight of the recent visit was the “Table Talks” session, where Northern Cass students presented their own business ideas to NDSU students, discussing concepts they developed and receiving feedback. The exchange allowed high school students to gain insights and advice from entrepreneurial college students and NDSU faculty.
The day began with an inspirational visit to StartUpBrew, a local event for entrepreneurs to share their stories. Students toured Brewhalla with Hailey Hoffner, the venue’s experience coordinator. Participants learned about many of the local startups in the building.
Students attended a welcome address at Barry Hall from Kathryn Birkeland, dean of the NDSU College of Business. They also met with leaders of NDSU’s student organizations, including the Sales Club, Venture Capital Group and Entrepreneurship Fellowship. The presentations highlighted the diverse opportunities for NDSU students.
The event concluded with a tour of Barry Hall, where high school students had a chance to ask questions about campus life and the opportunities that NDSU offers.
NDSU’s dual credit program is specifically designed for motivated high school juniors and seniors. The program helps students begin their college journey early by taking courses that count toward both their high school and college diplomas. The program offers discounted tuition, enabling students to explore subjects they’re passionate about, get a head start on required courses and ease into the college environment with support from both their high school and the university.
“It is a testament to the passion for providing opportunities to young people that exists within the entrepreneurial community in the F-M area,” Nordstrom said. “All it took was a couple calls and I had introductions, events, tours, meals and mentors lined up for the Northern Cass students. Thank you to everyone that pitched in to make this day memorable for these students.”
