North Dakota Senate reviews $2M Choice Ready grant funding for schools

In a pivotal meeting held on March 5, 2025, the North Dakota Legislature's House Education Committee discussed Senate Bill 22-34, which proposes a $2 million appropriation for Choice Ready grants aimed at enhancing student readiness for post-graduation pathways. The bill, presented by Jim Uphgren, a legislative liaison with the Department of Public Instruction, seeks to continue funding for a program that has shown significant growth in recent years.

The Choice Ready initiative is designed to prepare students for success in three key areas: post-secondary education, workforce readiness, and military service. Uphgren emphasized that the funding would allow schools to apply for grants that support activities aimed at increasing the number of students graduating "Choice Ready." This program has been funded in previous years through federal ESSER funds, which are no longer available, making the new state funding crucial for its continuation.

Over the past three years, the percentage of students graduating Choice Ready has risen dramatically, from just 21% in its inaugural year to 71% in 2024. Uphgren noted that the goal is to align this rate with the overall graduation rate, which currently stands at around 90%. The grants, which previously allowed schools to receive up to $20,000, have been adjusted to a maximum of $6,000 per school in the last year, with the new bill proposing a similar structure.

Committee members raised questions about the effectiveness of the grants and how the funds would be utilized. Uphgren clarified that the money would not be used to hire additional teachers but rather to expand existing programs, such as dual credit courses and ACT preparation, which are essential for student success. The committee is considering how to measure the impact of these grants on individual schools and whether specific documentation could be provided to track improvements.

As the meeting concluded, Uphgren expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting its importance in ensuring that North Dakota students are equipped with the skills and experiences necessary for their future endeavors. The committee's recommendation to pass Senate Bill 22-34 could mark a significant step in bolstering educational opportunities for students across the state.