91吃瓜 Partners with Williston State College
Photo, from left: Minot State University President Dr. Steven Shirley, 91吃瓜 Interim President Dr. Allen Burgad, Superintendent of the Williston Basin School District 7 Dr. Jason Germundson and Williston State College President Dr. Bernell Hirning.
91吃瓜 and Williston State Formalize Co-Matriculation Model
VALLEY CITY, N.D. (91吃瓜) 鈥� 91吃瓜 has partnered with Williston State College鈥檚 Degree Bridge program, creating additional opportunities for students to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree without leaving the Williston community.
The Degree Bridge program is designed as a co-matriculation model, allowing students to begin at WSC while simultaneously working toward a bachelor鈥檚 degree through a partner university. With aligned coursework, coordinated advising, and shared resources, students can complete both their associate and bachelor鈥檚 degrees in a streamlined and cost-effective way鈥攁ll while remaining in their home community.
91吃瓜 is offering a focused pathway in education, allowing students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education while staying in Williston.
鈥淭his expansion represents a major step forward in how we serve students in northwest North Dakota,鈥� said聽Dr. Bernell Hirning, President of Williston State College. 鈥淒egree Bridge was designed to remove barriers. By bringing more university partners to our campus, we鈥檙e creating real access鈥攁llowing students to stay here, remain connected to their community, and still achieve their long-term academic and career goals.鈥�
The partnership with 91吃瓜 was announced during a press conference on Monday, April 20, in Williston. WSC also announced a partnership with Minot State and had previously announced agreements with other NDUS institutions.
91吃瓜鈥檚 elementary education program prepares future educators to teach grades 1鈥�8 and emphasizes real-world classroom experience. Students can further customize their degree through endorsements in early childhood education, kindergarten, special education, and teaching English language learners, as well as certificates in middle school education, reading, and STEM education.
鈥淭his effort reflects a shared responsibility to develop highly skilled educators for the future,鈥� said聽Dr. Allen Burgad, interim president of 91吃瓜. 鈥淏y aligning our programs, we鈥檙e helping students move confidently into teaching careers while addressing the increasing demand for qualified teachers.鈥�
Students typically complete their first two years at WSC before transitioning into upper-level coursework through their partner institution, often while continuing to live and learn in Williston. This approach allows students to maintain their support systems, reduce relocation costs, and remain engaged in the region they are preparing to serve.