The Devils Lake Area Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the State of North Dakota as part of the Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP). This grant is aimed at addressing workforce retention challenges in collaboration with Devils Lake High School and Lake Region State College.

The Department of Commerce received an appropriation from the 68th North Dakota Legislative Assembly to provide support to organizations addressing workforce challenges and barriers to employment through the ND Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP). The RWIP provides grants to regional workforce entities in North Dakota to design and implement innovative plans to address their region’s most demanding workforce challenges. The RWIP grant aims to support the cost of local solutions that will have a broad impact through a community or region. The Department of Commerce aims to increase participation in the workforce statewide by equipping communities with resources to invest in initiatives that are catered to the needs of their region.

The grant funds will support several key initiatives designed to engage and retain the future workforce of the Devils Lake region:

  • Summer Job Fair (March 26, 2025): Aimed at students in grades 9-12, this job fair will focus on promoting summer employment opportunities within the Devils Lake area.
  • Comprehensive Career Fair (October 3, 2024): This fair will offer a broad range of career exploration opportunities.
  • Individual Student Meetings (Grade 12): Personalized guidance sessions will be held to support students' future career endeavors. These meetings will cover resource sharing, career exploration, job shadowing, work-based learning, internships, and the ND Career Builder Program.
  • Job Shadow Program: A collaborative initiative between Devils Lake High School and the local community to provide students with hands-on exposure in various careers.
  • Quarterly Business Meetings: These sessions will provide local businesses with innovative strategies to engage with the workforce, including work-based learning, job shadowing, internships, and scholarships, while promoting state resources like the Candidate Marketplace Tool. They will also provide businesses with recruiting, talent attraction, culture and retention resources.
  • “Did You Know” Segments: A series of 10 informative pieces will be featured in the Chamber Newsletter and online to raise awareness about workforce opportunities and resources.
  • Business Videos: The creation of 20-25 videos showcasing local businesses will help students learn about available opportunities and assist them in selecting potential businesses for job shadowing or work-based learning experiences.
  • Marketing Program with LRSC: A targeted marketing initiative will be developed to promote student employment during school and post-graduation.

 

The grant project will be managed by Ann Pollert of AMP Consulting. A native of Devils Lake and a graduate of Devils Lake High School, Ann brings extensive knowledge of the community and a strong background in workforce development. She holds a degree in social work and has experience working with ND Community Action agencies, as well as serving as a recruiter and later the Director of Workforce Development for General Equipment and Supplies Inc.

 

Currently, Ann is also under contract with the Region 3 RWIP project, the Mobile Career Exploration Classroom, which will run through December 2025. Ann expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, "I am proud of the Chamber for being awarded these funds and look forward to utilizing them for the Lake Region. This grant represents an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and develop sustainable projects with the right strategic approach."

 

For more information, you can reach Ann Pollert at workforce@devilslakend.com.