National Energy Center of Excellence at BSC
In 2007, U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman recognized the excellence of Bismarck State College’s (BSC) energy training program by naming it the National Power Plant Operations Technology and Educational Center.
This designation, authorized by legislation Senator Dorgan authored, recognizes the school’s cutting-edge education and training program, and will help attract students, industry and federal funding to help carry out BSC’s mission.
BSC’s energy training programs not only train students in power plant operations but also prepare students for careers in process plant, electronic transmission and electric power systems. Senator Dorgan continues to work to secure funding to expand BSC’s energy training programs that provide students with the skills and background needed to succeed in North Dakota’s diverse energy industries. Graduates of BSC’s energy training programs will help replace an aging energy workforce in North Dakota and nationwide that will be required to maintain and grow our country’s vital energy infrastructure into the future.
Since FY 2003, Senator Dorgan has secured $1.2 million to help develop BSC’s nationally recognized energy training program. He has also provided an additional $1 million for FY 2008 in an appropriations bill that is currently pending before Congress.
In addition, Senator Dorgan has worked to establish a National Energy Center of Excellence at BSC. He has included $5.2 million for FY 2008 in an appropriations bill that is currently pending before Congress to construct an energy technology and training center that will include a state-of-the-art lab. The funding will also be used to develop course modules for BSC’s National Power Plant Operations Technology and Educational Center training programs.
This center will add to the development of the Energy Corridor that Senator Dorgan created to attract businesses and investments to North Dakota, while helping to achieve our national goal of energy independence.
