North Dakota’s agricultural future depends on people as much as technology. From precision agriculture and artificial intelligence to robotics and data-driven decision-making, the AgTech workforce of tomorrow must be skilled, adaptable, and locally grounded. That’s where the GROW (Grassroots Rural Opportunities for Workforce) Community Innovation Awards come in.
Launched by the NSF North Dakota AgTech Engine, the GROW Awards are designed to support community-led, short-term workforce innovation projects that strengthen connections between agriculture, education, and technology across the state.
What Are the GROW Community Innovation Awards?
The GROW Awards provide small, flexible grants (up to $5,000) to organizations working to address AgTech workforce needs in their communities. These awards are intentionally designed to be accessible and action-oriented, supporting projects that can be implemented quickly and create meaningful, near-term impact.
Rather than prescribing solutions from the top down, the GROW program empowers communities to take action on workforce priorities they’ve identified themselves through Community Workforce Partnership sessions and regional engagement efforts.
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
GROW-funded projects focus on building awareness, skills, and pathways into AgTech careers. Examples include initiatives that:
- Expand AgTech education and hands-on learning opportunities
- Introduce students and educators to emerging agricultural technologies
- Strengthen career pathways and workforce readiness
- Increase access to work-based learning and industry exposure
- Build leadership and workforce capacity in rural communities
Projects may serve K–12 students, postsecondary learners, educators, producers, or community leaders, as long as they align with the AgTech workforce mission.
Community-Driven, Statewide Impact
The first call for GROW proposals generated strong interest from across North Dakota, reflecting the demand for locally driven workforce solutions. Funded projects span multiple economic development regions and include both local and statewide initiatives, demonstrating that AgTech workforce innovation looks different in every community, but benefits the entire state.
While the program aims to reach all regions, awards are made based on project readiness, alignment with workforce priorities, and potential impact, ensuring resources are invested where they can make an immediate difference.
Advancing the NSF ND AgTech Engine Mission
The GROW Community Innovation Awards are one way the NSF ND AgTech Engine advances its broader workforce development goals: building a skilled, inclusive, and future-ready AgTech workforce rooted in North Dakota communities.
By supporting grassroots ideas and empowering local leaders, the GROW program helps turn innovation into action, ensuring North Dakota remains competitive, resilient, and prepared for the future of agriculture.
Interested in future GROW funding opportunities or learning more about community workforce partnerships? Stay connected with the NSF ND AgTech Engine for updates and upcoming calls for proposals.
NSF AgTech Engine GROW Awards $42,955:
Bakken Area Skills Center | Region 1 | $3,400: Watford City, ND
Bakken Area Skills Center will enhance its mobile meat education trailer to expand hands-on workforce training in meat processing, food safety, and agricultural sciences. Funding will support the purchase of industry-standard equipment, safety gear, and teacher training to ensure high-quality instruction across participating schools. By improving access to specialized equipment and instruction in rural communities, the project prepares students for in-demand careers while supporting the region’s agricultural workforce.
Lake Region State College | Region 3 | $5,000: Devils Lake, ND
Lake Region State College will provide hands-on precision agriculture applicator training to students and job-seekers using industry-standard equipment housed at the Hofstad Ag Center. Participants will receive instruction in application math, GPS technology, safety practices, equipment operation, and maintenance. By strengthening technical competencies and safety awareness, the project supports regional workforce needs and prepares participants for high-demand roles in agronomy and agricultural application.
Rolette Public School | Region 3 | $5,000: Rolette, ND
Rolette Public School’s project expands access to modern agricultural education through enhanced hands-on learning experiences. Students will gain exposure to updated tools, equipment, and instructional resources that strengthen technical skills and career readiness in agriculture. The initiative addresses gaps in rural Ag education and supports long-term workforce development by preparing students for evolving roles in the agricultural industry.
North Valley Career and Technical Center | Region 4 | $5,000
North Valley Career and Technical Center will strengthen agricultural education programs at its Cavalier and Drayton sites by expanding hands-on instructional capacity in plant science, animal science, agronomy, and precision agriculture. Funds will be used to purchase instructional tools, equipment, and safety supplies that support experiential learning and workforce readiness. The project builds on strong employer engagement and internship participation, helping rural students develop skills aligned with regional AgTech workforce demands.
NDSU Peltier Institute | Region 5 | $5,000: Fargo
The NDSU Peltier Institute will deliver interactive AgTech robotics workshops for middle school students, introducing real-world applications of artificial intelligence and robotics in agriculture. Students will participate in hands-on challenges using educational robotics kits and observe professional-grade AgTech equipment in action. The project builds early awareness of high-demand AgTech careers, particularly for rural students, and creates reusable resources that can be scaled across future outreach events.
NDSU – Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering | Region 5 | $2,700: Fargo, ND
This project will pilot an AI-powered pest and disease detection tool, AgriVision AI, with agricultural producers in the Fargo-Moorhead region. Through hands-on workshops and on-site demonstrations, producers will learn how to use smartphone-based diagnostics to identify crop health issues early and integrate AI tools into their operations. The project also includes a K–12 AgTech career showcase, connecting students to emerging AI-driven agriculture careers while creating a scalable model for broader AgTech adoption.
Edgeley Public School / Southeast CTE Center | Region 6 | $5,000: Edgely, ND
Edgeley Public School will incorporate drone technology into its agricultural education programs to provide students with hands-on experience in precision agriculture. The drone will be used across multiple courses, including agronomy, environmental science, and AgTech, as well as introductory career exploration for younger students. By aligning instruction with local workforce needs, the project prepares students for emerging careers that require technical expertise in drone operation and data analysis.
Carrington Public School | Region 6 | $4,655: Carrington, ND
Carrington Public School will integrate Microsoft FarmBeats Starter Kits into its agricultural education curriculum to introduce students to precision agriculture, data collection, and artificial intelligence applications in farming. High school students will gain hands-on experience using sensors and data-driven tools to explore how technology improves agricultural productivity and sustainability. As part of the project, FFA students will also create demonstrations for elementary students, expanding early exposure to AgTech careers and building awareness across grade levels.
Rural Leadership North Dakota – NDSU Extension | Statewide | $2,200
This project supports an AgTech Workforce Innovation Tour during Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) Class XI, providing immersive, on-site learning experiences for rural leaders from across the state. Participants will engage in guided site visits and facilitated discussions with AgTech employers, training institutions, and industry experts in the Wahpeton area. The tour strengthens leadership capacity, workforce awareness, and understanding of modern agricultural systems, equipping community leaders to better support workforce development and innovation in their regions.
North Dakota 4-H | Statewide | $5,000
North Dakota 4-H will use programmable Sphero BOLT robotic kits to engage youth in hands-on AgTech learning experiences that connect agriculture and technology. Through agriculture-themed engineering and coding challenges, participants will explore how technology drives modern farming while building problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork skills. The project will create portable educational trunks that can be used statewide, ensuring rural youth have equitable access to interactive STEM and AgTech learning opportunities
