GNDC and ND Dept of CTE Partner To Strengthen Workforce Pipeline Through New AP Course

The Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC) and the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education (ND CTE) announce a new partnership to expand access to the AP Business with Personal Finance course, an initiative designed to better align classroom learning with real-world workforce needs.

The AP Business with Personal Finance course directly addresses this need by equipping students with practical business knowledge and applied skills that align with employer expectations. Through hands-on learning and exposure to entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and strategic decision-making, students gain experience that prepares them for both immediate workforce entry and long-term career success.

"This is exactly the kind of partnership our business community needs right now," said Arik Spencer, President and CEO of GNDC. "Employers are looking for talent with real-world skills, and educators are working hard to prepare students for an increasingly complex economy. This course helps bridge that gap. It's a smart investment in our workforce and in the long-term competitiveness of our region."

To support implementation, GNDC will provide travel stipends of up to $2,000 for participating teachers to offset training-related expenses, helping ensure educators across North Dakota can access high-quality professional development tied to the course.

Wayde Sick, North Dakota Career and Technical Education Director commented, "This partnership represents a powerful commitment to the future of our students. By investing in our educators, we are expanding access to transformative learning that develops real-world skills and meaningful career pathways. When we strengthen our teachers, we strengthen opportunities for students-giving them skills and confidence to achieve their full potential."

Partnership Goals

• Strengthen alignment between education and workforce needs
• Expand access to real-world business and financial literacy education
• Build a stronger, more prepared talent pipeline for North Dakota employers
• Support educators with resources and training to deliver applied learning experiences

The initiative encourages ongoing collaboration between business leaders and educators, creating opportunities for employer engagement, curriculum relevance, and student exposure to real-world applications.

Additional information about the AP Business with Personal Finance course and participation opportunities is available at https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-business-personal-finance.

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About GNDC: The Greater North Dakota Chamber is the largest statewide business advocacy organization, with membership represented by small and large businesses, local chambers, and trade and industry associations. GNDC represents the interests of our members by promoting policies and initiatives in pursuit of making North Dakota's business climate the best in the nation. ndchamber.com

About NDCTE: The North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education is committed to building a future-ready workforce by delivering high-quality programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for lifelong success. Through strong partnerships with education and industry, North Dakota CTE empowers students to discover their unique talents, engage in real-world learning, and confidently pursue pathways that lead to workforce readiness and beyond. cte.nd.gov