ND Governors' Cup Donates $200,000 to Attract and Retain North Dakota's Workforce

Record third-year contribution provides scholarships and loan repayment for individuals pursuing high-demand jobs in the state.

MEDORA, N.D. – The 2026 North Dakota Governors’ Cup raised $200,000 for the ND Career Builders Program, with a state match doubling the impact to $400,000 in scholarships and student loan repayment for individuals entering high-demand fields across North Dakota. It is the largest single-year contribution in the event’s three year history.

“The Governors’ Cup keeps growing because the people in that room understand what is at stake,” North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong said. “When employers and the state invest side by side in the next generation of workers, we build an economy that works for every North Dakotan.”

The third annual Governors’ Cup brought over 385 industry and civic leaders to Medora, July 27-28, the first time the event has been held in western North Dakota. Along with the primary purpose of raising funds for its mission to support North Dakota’s workforce, attendees spent two days on networking and competition across four experiences: golf at Bully Pulpit Golf Course and Pheasant Country Golf Course, Sporting Clays at Arrow K Farms and a social luncheon at the Schafer Patio.

Monday evening’s program at the Burning Hills Amphitheater featured a keynote address from Gov. Armstrong. The event closed Tuesday night inside the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, which opened to the public on July 4.

“These two days are about people, opportunity and partnership,” said Guy Moos, president of Baker Boy and co-chair of the ND Governors’ Cup. “Talent follows opportunity, and opportunity follows investment. Let’s not simply ask talented people to stay. Let’s build a North Dakota where businesses invest, communities grow, and people choose to build their futures.”

Funds from the 2024 and 2025 events contributed $255,000 and helped 33 North Dakotans pursue careers in the state. With the 2026 donation, the Governors’ Cup has now committed $455,000 to Career Builders in three years, representing nearly $1 million in workforce support once state matching funds are applied. Statewide, ND Career Builders has supported 772 people and invested $10 million in North Dakota’s workforce.

“The ND Career Builders Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program benefits the individuals receiving support while also strengthening North Dakota’s economy and competitiveness by helping ensure a steady pipeline of qualified professionals for in-demand occupations,” said Brent Sanford, commissioner of the North Dakota University System.

The matching funds model allows businesses to directly invest in their own future workforce while helping graduates reduce debt and remain in North Dakota. Private contributions are matched dollar for dollar by the state, providing up to $17,000 per approved candidate in exchange for a three-year commitment to live and work in North Dakota. To learn more about ND Career Builders or apply, including the high-need and emerging occupations list, visit ndus.edu/career-builders.

Organizers also announced that the 2027 North Dakota Governors’ Cup will return to Bismarck. Registration information will be available this fall.

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Media Contact: Will Satler, North Dakota Governors’ Cup. info@ndgovernorscup.org | (701) 877-4386

About the North Dakota Governors’ Cup

The North Dakota Governors’ Cup is an annual event focused on strengthening the state’s workforce by supporting the recruitment and retention of talent in high demand fields. Through two days of high-impact networking, sporting events and community celebration, the event brings together business leaders, industry partners and state officials to invest in North Dakota’s future. All net proceeds are donated to the ND Career Builders Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program, which provides financial support to students and professionals who commit to living and working in North Dakota. Since its launch in 2024, the Governors’ Cup has committed $455,000 to the program, representing up to $910,000 in workforce support with the state match.

About the ND Career Builders Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program

ND Career Builders is a state-backed program designed to attract and retain talent in North Dakota by supporting students and new professionals entering high-demand careers. Through a one-to-one matching model, employers can partner with the state to provide scholarships or student loan repayment assistance, cutting debt for individuals while helping businesses secure long-term talent. Students receive critical financial support, and businesses invest in future employees who commit to living and working in North Dakota for at least three years. To see the list of qualifying high-need and emerging occupations, or to learn how to apply as a business or an individual, visit ndus.edu/career-builders.