NDSU students to embark on week-long travel experience during Bison to the Bakken

Undergraduate and graduate students will soon head west for an immersive learning experience designed to connect classroom knowledge with real-world opportunities across North Dakota’s energy sector.

As part of the Bison to the Bakken program, a three-credit experiential learning opportunity, students will travel western North Dakota beginning Aug. 15, to explore industries, communities and innovation that help power the state’s economy. Through site tours and conversations with industry leaders, students will gain firsthand insight into a wide range of energy-related fields while building professional connections that can lead to internships and future careers.

The three-credit course includes topics from extraction, refining, transportation and electrical distribution. The students will also learn about energy production from oil, gas, coal, wind, corn, soybeans and natural gas. The topics also include power distribution, data centers and regulation. The 41 students will have all travel costs provided because of the support of the following partners: Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, ND Corn Utilization Council, Harvestone Low Carbon Partners, Guardian Energy, ONEOK, Chord Energy, Xcel Energy, Applied Digital and more.

"The success of the inaugural Bison to the Bakken program demonstrated what can happen when higher education and industry come together with a shared purpose,” said Kathryn Birkeland, Ronald and Kaye Olson Dean of the College of Business. “Students are eager to explore career pathways through hands-on experiences, and companies recognize the importance of connecting with the next generation of talent. The continued growth of this program reflects a shared commitment to workforce development, experiential learning and the future of North Dakota's economy."

Saturday, Aug. 15 – Belfield

• Arrow K Farms

Sunday, Aug. 16 – Medora

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park hiking and cabin tours
• Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library tour
• Medora Musical and Pitchfork Steak Fondue

Monday, Aug. 17 – Dickinson

• ONEOK
• Steffes
• Research Extension Center, with featured speaker Kathy Neset

Tuesday, Aug. 18 - Dickinson

• Chord Energy

Wednesday, Aug. 19 – Bismarck

• Marathon Petroleum (refinery)
• Allete Clean Energy (Glen Ullin wind farm)
• Xcel Energy - Dinner at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science

Thursday, Aug. 20 – Coteau and Beulah

• Freedom Mine
• Antelope Valley Station
• Great Plains Synfuels Plant
• Governor’s Residence Dinner

Friday, Aug. 21 – Bismarck and Spiritwood

• Basin Electric
• North Dakota Association of Rural Electric
• Great River Energy – Spiritwood Station

Local Tours

Sept. 4: Applied Digital - Harwood

Sept. 18: Guardian Energy - Hankinson

Oct. 9: MinnKota – Grand Forks

For more information, contact Kay Hopkins, assistant dean of student services and administration in the College of Business at kay.hopkins@ndsu.edu.