United Tribes Technical College Helps Students Launch Their Careers

Bismarck-Mandan is home to multiple quality education institutions, including United Tribes Technical College (UTTC). This organization supports around 500 Native American students per semester and has served more than 10,000 students from more than 75 federally recognized tribes in its 50-year history.

“We describe ourselves as a rural college located in an urban area,” says Leander McDonald, President of UTTC. “Our faculty and staff get to know the students really well, which helps them succeed in the new learning environment.”

UTTC boasts a $39.9 million economic impact (as of FY 2022-23) and is credited with creating 537 jobs in the Bismarck-Mandan community. However, its efforts have positive effects across the region and the entire state of North Dakota. 

UTTC Was Designed With Workforce Development in Mind

UTTC has maintained its accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission since 1982 and is part of a drive to develop tribal colleges that provide quality learning experiences to Native American students. UTTC was the first tribal college in North Dakota and the first nationwide to offer fully online degree programs.

“Our founders were forward thinkers at the time, which helped them develop a school specific to tribal needs,” says McDonald. “Today, our role is to continuously evolve to meet the needs of students entering the workforce and companies hiring them.”

Around 70% of the student body is from North Dakota, and a large part of the remaining portion is from South Dakota. Many students who enroll in UTTC grew up on reservations and are leaving them for the first time. UTTC provides an easier transition for students who may experience a culture shift as they enter adulthood and leave their tribal society.

“We want our students to know they are not alone through this transition,” says McDonald. “We provide mentorship and a social support system during their time here.”

Students Benefit from a First Year Experience Class

UTTC has three dorms, which are currently full, and family housing where married students (and those with kids) can live. The college is also seeing an increase in part-time students enrolling to enhance their skillsets. These students are already working but want a bachelor’s degree to grow their careers and increase their earning potential.

Students who enroll in UTTC must take a one-credit First Year Experience class to develop soft skills. This class covers topics like setting a budget, building a resume, dressing for interviews, and general world preparedness. It helps students market the skills they learn at UTTC and increases the chances that UTTC graduates are successful in the workplace.  

McDonald says the college doesn’t influence where students go after graduation. Some return home and apply their skills to their communities, while others accept jobs in Bismarck-Mandan and other cities across the country. Currently, 58% of UTTC graduates seek additional degrees after graduation, which means they enter other institutions to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree.   

UTTC Listens to the Needs of Employers

Along with responding to students' needs as they grow their skills and enter the workforce, UTTC also works with companies across North Dakota to better understand what they want from employees.

“We look to see what skills are needed and how employer expectations are changing,” says McDonald. “We then consider if there is something we need to change in how we prepare students. Input from companies is necessary to ensure we are setting students up for success.”

The career department at UTTC frequently hosts job fairs and conferences to help students meet employers. It invites companies from across the state to call in via Zoom to discuss employee expectations. UTTC also has relationships with local businesses that serve on advisory committees when developing curricula.  

“We’re keeping our ear to the ground for what is needed and modifying our programs to ensure our students have the skillsets to be knowledgeable, quality employees,” says McDonald.

UTTC works closely with the University of Mary, Bismarck State College, and the North Dakota University System to form academic and professional partnerships, sharing ideas and best practices for student success. This way, all students in the region, no matter their college, are prepared for the future. 

Learn More About the Bismarck-Mandan Workforce

Residents of Bismarck-Mandan are prepared to step into new roles and have multiple training and education opportunities to grow their skills. Learn more about the educational institutions in the area and regional workforce resources. Partners like UTTC help Bismarck-Mandan grow by ensuring the best possible applicants are available and ready to work.