NDSU’s new Bison to the Bakken program has drawn strong interest from students across campus, with 61 students submitting applications before the Tuesday, March 25 deadline.
The program, which launches this May, offers a unique two-week, three-credit travel experience for undergraduate students to explore the energy industry and economic development in western North Dakota. The initiative is open to 45 students from across NDSU who are scheduled to be selected next week.
Students will visit several communities including Minot, Tioga, Williston, Watford City, Medora, Dickinson, Mandan, and Bismarck. Additional stops and energy facility tours are being finalized. The program schedule also includes outreach to area state legislators to explore opportunities to meet with the group during their travels.
“We have been overwhelmed with the response from industry partners across the state. Students are excited to learn more about all aspects of energy production and the lifestyle in western North Dakota. We received strong application numbers across majors which demonstrates how the energy industry touches many disciplines,” said Kathryn Birkeland, Ronald and Kaye Olson Dean of the College of Business.
Each selected student will receive a $1,250 scholarship, funded by corporate partners, to help offset the cost of summer tuition for the course. Travel and lodging expenses are fully covered by the Economic Diversification Research Funds, appropriated by the North Dakota Legislature during the 2023 session.
The trip, scheduled for May 18–30, includes on-the-ground exposure to key sectors such as oil and gas, fracking, pipelines, carbon capture, biofuels, lignite coal, wind energy and broader economic activity connected to the state’s energy industry. The experience also features social and cultural activities
Topics covered will align with students’ academic disciplines, with subject matter ranging from supply chain management and commodity trading to sensor development, soil reclamation, and environmental policy. The program includes spring semester prep sessions prior to the May travel.
Bison to the Bakken is jointly supported by the NDSU College of Business, College of Engineering, and College of Agriculture, and led by faculty including Tom DeSutter, professor of soil science; Eric Gjerdevig, lecturer in management and marketing; and William Refling, assistant professor of practice in engineering.
The program reflects NDSU’s land-grant mission and aims to strengthen workforce development and retention in North Dakota’s energy sector.
More information is available at the Bison to the Bakken program website.