Watford City students champion workforce readiness at state capitol
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
Watford City High School students recently took their advocacy for workforce readiness to the state capitol, meeting with the Workforce and Labor Development committee and Governor Kelly Armstrong. The students, members of the school’s Student Council Ambassadors, testified about the importance of community partnerships and work experience programs in developing essential job skills.
“The students testified about their leadership development and work skills that have been developed in high school through community partnerships,” said Amy Polivka, teacher and advisor to the group. “I was most proud of how well they were able to articulate their experiences and provide evidence that they are workforce ready because of these community partnerships.”
The students’ testimonies emphasized the value of programs like the Cooperative Work Experience, urging the committee to support and expand such initiatives statewide. They highlighted how these experiences, combined with leadership opportunities through the Ambassadors program, have prepared them for future careers. Polivka noted that Superintendent of Public Instruction Kristen Baesler, who was present at the meeting, encouraged the state to develop legislation to fund these programs, including support for work-based learning coordinators and teacher collaboration time with local businesses.
The students’ presence clearly made an impact on the committee. “We heard over and over from the committee members how impressed they were with their ability to speak so passionately about the work they have done in our community,” Polivka shared. She hopes that other communities in North Dakota will follow Watford City’s lead in developing similar programs.
The Ambassadors program, which has been running for eight years, aims to bridge the gap between school and community. Students involved in the program serve on various boards, including Vision West ND, the McKenzie County Community Coalition, and the Upper Missouri District Health Unit, offering their perspectives on community and state issues.
Polivka stressed the importance of involving youth in these discussions, stating, “It is crucial that we involve the youth because they make up a large part of our population and 100 percent of our future.”
The students are also actively working to connect businesses and new community members with the school community. By inviting them to events like the Cultural Fair, sporting events, and career shadowing opportunities, they foster meaningful partnerships between adults and youth.
The students’ visit to the capitol included meetings with Representative Jeremy Olson and Senator Dale Patten, as well as a question-and-answer session with Governor Armstrong. Polivka expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided to her students. She emphasized the benefits for the state of North Dakota in engaging youth in these activities, stating, “We need these wonderful youth leaders to choose North Dakota as a place to work and live after graduation.”
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