Kirsten Baesler Superintendent | North Dakota Department of Public Instruction
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (DPI), in collaboration with the North Dakota Center for Distance Education and the North Dakota National Guard, has been recognized with the Prairie Pheasant Flush Award at the Governor’s Public Service Awards. The ceremony took place on Monday, September 29.
This award acknowledges the state’s efforts in launching what is described as the nation’s first fully operational and comprehensive military readiness program. The initiative aims to prepare students for post-graduation life, especially those interested in pursuing military careers.
According to DPI officials, the program was developed after data revealed that not enough students were meeting the military portion of North Dakota's Choice Ready framework. The team adapted a military preparation model from another state to create a solution tailored to North Dakota.
Key achievements of the program include creating a curriculum that aligns with military career pathways, passing legislation to ensure its alignment with state scholarship requirements, and securing legislative approval for a dedicated National Guard liaison.
Within two months of its launch, two out of five planned courses are now available. More than 50 students have enrolled and are actively working toward service pathways in the National Guard.
A notable aspect of this program is that National Guard recruiters serve as embedded learning coaches. These coaches guide students through their coursework and help establish an early connection to military service opportunities.
Governor Kelly Armstrong, State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden, and DPI Assessment Director Stanley Schauer attended the awards event.
"This award recognizes the state’s launch of the nation’s first fully operational, comprehensive military readiness program, an initiative designed to better prepare students for life after graduation, particularly those pursuing a career in the military."
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