Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Dave Kolpack, The Associated Press
Fargo, N.D.

College initiative aims to keep oil workers in North Dakota

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott is launching a new initiative aimed at recruiting the often transient oilfield workers to degree programs, and in the process, keep them living in the state.

The program is called Bakken U. Haggerott says he came up with the idea when talking with tech-savvy rig workers while touring western North Dakota last month.

The plan is to tap academic programs from five colleges in the region, so oil patch workers can earn college degrees now that low crude prices have put many of them in limbo.

Hagerott says he hopes to get businesses that will benefit from the added workforce to sponsor scholarships and grants. He says that even with the oil slowdown, there are about 35,000 job openings around the state.