BISMARCK – The ND Career Builders Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program has matching funds available for area businesses to recruit employees in high-need and emerging occupations. About $125,000 statewide is available to be used for scholarships and student loan repayments for eligible recipients.

The funds were originally made available in July when participants at the North Dakota Governor’s Cup raised $125,000 for the ND Career Builders program to promote workforce development by assisting businesses with the matching funds requirement. Through the program, innovative partnerships between businesses and North Dakota provide $1 of state funds for $1 of matching funds for up to a total of $17,000 per recipient

To receive a scholarship, applicants must enroll in an eligible program of study within North Dakota and then live within the state for three years after program completion, working in an in-demand occupation. For loan repayment, recipients must live within North Dakota and work in an in-demand occupation within the state. Loan repayment is paid out over a three-year period.

Since the program’s inception in 2019, 527 applicants have been served through ND Career Builders. Of the 527 applicants, 408 have completed their post-secondary education and are employed in North Dakota. Over nearly six years, the private sector, with a state match, has committed $6.3 million in scholarships and student loan repayments.

Businesses interested in using the available matching funds should call Brenda Zastoupil, North Dakota University System director of financial aid, at 328-2906 or email brenda.zastoupil@ndus.edu.