
Dr. Steven L. Johnson has worked in education for over 47 years and currently serves as superintendent of a small rural elementary school in Fort Ransom, North Dakota. As the founder of Rural Educational Associates, LLC, Dr. Johnson consults on rural schools and community issues. An advocate for rural education, he is also a member of the Executive Committee of the National Rural Education Association (NREA) and has presented on rural education topics at state, national, and international forums.
Dr. Johnson has been a longtime supporter of Rural Schools Collaborative, and is excited to share this story about the Edgeley Career Academy and their novel CTE program.
In rural North Dakota, the Edgeley Career Academy is redefining what’s possible for career and technical education (CTE). This 11,000-square-foot facility, launched in partnership with the Southeast Region Career and Technology Center (SRCTC), provides students with state-of-the-art resources to prepare for high-demand careers in fields such as health care, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Edgeley Public School Superintendent Tyler Hanson summed up the academy’s impact: “This facility not only expands our class offerings but also establishes Edgeley as a leader in rural education, preparing our students for success in any career path they choose.”
Innovation and Collaboration in Rural CTE
Edgeley’s Career Academy is more than a building—it’s a model for how rural communities can overcome systemic challenges in education. Recruiting qualified instructors, offering diverse courses, and securing funding are perennial hurdles for rural schools. The partnership with SRCTC, which serves 15 rural districts, has been instrumental in addressing these issues.
“By partnering with member schools, we’ve been able to create opportunities that rural districts could never offer alone,” said SRCTC Director Dan Spellerberg. “From mobile labs to shared advisory committees, we ensure equitable access to cutting-edge education, leveling the playing field for students in small communities.”

Meeting Workforce Needs
Programs at the Edgeley Career Academy directly align with local workforce demands. Students gain hands-on experience in:
Automotive Technology: Maintaining vehicles and small engines.
Metal Fabrication: Developing trade skills in welding and manufacturing.
Culinary Arts: Learning food preparation and safety in a commercial kitchen.
Health Careers: Building foundational skills in medical fields.
Carpentry: Creating a knowledge base on woodworking and building.
“These programs are a direct response to workforce needs,” Spellerberg noted. “The skills students gain here prepare them not only for immediate employment but also for long-term success in high-growth industries.”

Funding and Community Support
The academy’s $4.1 million price tag was funded through a $2.3 million grant from the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education, alongside contributions from private donors, local businesses, and the community. This innovative funding model shows how state support and local investment can create sustainable, high-impact solutions for rural education.
“This building is a community hub where aspiring professionals can connect with industry leaders, learn from experienced instructors, and develop the skills necessary to thrive in today’s job market,” said Hanson. “We are proud to partner with SRCTC and look forward to making a positive impact in the lives of many.”

A Vision for the Future
The Edgeley Career Academy isn’t just an educational hub; it’s a community resource. The facility hosts local events and offers students the chance to engage directly with their community through projects like catering and service initiatives.
Looking ahead, SRCTC plans to expand this model. “We’re committed to aligning with high-growth sectors and strengthening employer ties,” said Spellerberg. “Through innovative programs and new collaborations, we’re ensuring that rural students don’t just keep up—they lead the way into the future workforce.”
Policy Changes to Support Rural Education
For rural districts nationwide to replicate Edgeley’s success, systemic changes are needed. Spellerberg advocates for policy reforms, including inclusive funding models for CTE and streamlined certification processes to address instructor shortages.
“Dedicated funding for CTE in rural areas, along with expanded use of mobile labs, would make a world of difference,” he emphasized. “Early exposure for junior high students is critical to sparking interest and building skills, and we need policies that reflect that urgency.”
Scaling the Model Nationwide
Edgeley’s Career Academy demonstrates what’s possible when innovation and collaboration converge. By pooling resources, fostering community engagement, and aligning with workforce needs, rural schools can offer their students opportunities once thought unattainable.
As other districts look for ways to close the education gap between urban and rural areas, Edgeley’s approach provides a roadmap to empower students and strengthen communities across the nation.
Hanson states, “We believe that education is the key to unlocking potential, and we are committed to providing our students with hands-on training, mentorship, and support.”
To learn more about the Edgeley Career Academy model or explore how similar initiatives can benefit your community, contact the Southeast Region Career and Technology Center or Edgeley Public Schools. Together, we can inspire the next generation of rural innovators.
Thank you to Dr. Steven Johnson for sharing this story from RSC's North Dakota Hub.