Walsh County Career Builders program marks three years of strong workforce gains
Three years after launching a bold effort to strengthen the local workforce, the Walsh County Career Builders (WCCB) program is delivering measurable results. The initiative —designed to help employers leverage North Dakota’s Career Builders program — has supported 46 job placements since 2022 and is credited with significantly improving recruitment and retention across the county.
WCCB provides matching funds that reduce the employer’s cost of offering scholarships or student loan repayment. Combined with the state program, eligible participants may receive up to $17,000 in support. Employers say this benefit has become a critical tool in attracting and keeping skilled professionals.
Program impacts: 2022-2025
As of December 2025, 46 employees are working for (or will be upon graduation) Walsh County employers through the program. Three received scholarships, while 43 utilized student loan repayment. Based on preliminary state data, Walsh County is expected to rank fourth statewide in filling in‑demand jobs — behind only the state’s largest urban counties. Current ND Career Builders data is expected to be released this summer.
Participants are filling jobs in key workforce sectors:
- Education: 19
- Healthcare: 18
- Veterinary: 2
- Skilled Trade: 2
- Financial: 2
- One (each): Information Technology, Social Services, and Sales
Additional program statistics:
- 14: Participating Walsh County employers
- 1-11: Number of employees participating per employer
- $195,573: Total paid and committed to participants through December 2028
- 100%: Retention rate of the 11 employees who have completed the three-year commitment with their sponsoring employer (as of January 2026). The program has an overall retention rate of 91%
“In today’s competitive market, benefits like this are going to be the norm in recruiting and retaining quality employees so I’m glad Walsh County is ahead of the curve,” said Allen Anderson, Administrator for Walsh County Health District.
Funding partners
The WCCB program is financially supported by the Walsh County Job Development Authority (WCJDA), City of Grafton Economic Development Committee, and the Park River Community Development Corporation. Their contributions cut the employer match in half — reducing the cost to up to $4,250 per employee, compared to $8,500 without the local match. Payments are made directly to the loan servicers or educational institutions over a three-year period.
The WCCB Board of Directors meets monthly to review applications and provide program oversight. WCJDA staff manage program and fiscal administration. Current WCCB board members include:
- Mike Hanson, chair, North Valley Career and Technology Center
- Amy Suda, vice-chair, Walsh County Commission/WCJDA
- Stacie Sevigny, secretary/treasurer (non-voting), WCJDA
- Kristi Gullickson, Park River CDC
- Jenny Dusek, Grafton
- Kylen Kostrewski, Grafton City Council
- Nancy Thompson, Park River CDC
- Shelley Stewart Holweger, WCJDA
Survey Results: Strong Support from Employers and Participants
Employer and participant surveys conducted in late 2025 and early 2026 confirm the program’s strong impact:
- 98% of employers say they are extremely likely to continue using the program
- 89% of participants say the program was extremely important in their decision to stay with their employer
“The required three-year commitment has helped us retain quality nurses,” said Rachel Ray, HR Director at Unity Medical Center in Grafton. “The program is a huge benefit for our employees.”
The survey also revealed the importance of the local financial support in helping companies participate:
- 88% of employers say they may not be able to participate without the local match
“Using this program would be very difficult for us (without the match funds),” said Britt Jacobson, Practice Manager at Golden Valley Veterinary Clinic. “It is such a great benefit to help local employers attract highly educated professionals to fill open jobs.”
For the employees, the program is equally important for retention.
A participant working in information technology noted, “The first couple of years in a job can be the most challenging time to become acclimated. The program was an encouraging factor that helped me remain with my current employer.”
Another participant in healthcare shared, “The program was influential in helping me envision staying at this job for years rather than moving to another facility after 1-2 years.”
Since the program recently passed the three-year mark, the WCCB board agreed it was an appropriate time to seek feedback from participants and employers through the surveys, as well as share the program’s successes to a broader audience.
“When it started, no one was sure how the program would be received,” said Mike Hanson, chair of the WCCB board. “We’re proud of the results and hope even more employers take advantage of it.”
Employers and prospective participants can learn more by searching “Career Builders” at www.walshcountynd.com or contacting Stacie Sevigny at 701-352-3550 or Stacie@redriverrc.com