BSC is beginning to see results of President Larry C. Skogen’s initiative to partner with U.S. military branches to provide Web-based education to military personnel. Department of Defense legislation authored by U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan and recently approved by President Bush is providing $400,000 to BSC.

President Skogen said the funds are designated for the college’s initiative to provide energy technology and criminal justice education for U.S. Navy and Marine personnel. Some of the funds will be used for additional employees to support potential increases in enrollment related to the Navy initiative, said Dr. Skogen.

"We have been selected for the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership, and we expect to sign the agreement in November or December," he said.

In addition, BSC has been selected as one of three pilot colleges by the Community College of the Air Force to provide general education courses online for personnel in the Air Force. Classes are scheduled to begin in March.

"With tough challenges related to the anticipated decline in number of high school graduates in the state, these partnerships will allow us to continue to grow by becoming a national resource of education for our nationally- recognized programs," said Dr. Skogen. "It also provides a way for BSC to contribute to primary sector economic development for the state."

In addition to the $400,000 for BSC, the Department of Defense legislation includes more than $66 million for other projects in North Dakota, designed to strengthen the U.S. military while giving a boost to North Dakota’s economy, according to a news release of Sen. Dorgan.