Strong leadership is not only about responding to today’s challenges. It requires anticipating future needs and taking action that creates long-term impact. Across the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo region, leaders in education, business, and workforce development are aligning around one strategy: work-based learning.
The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber is strengthening this effort through a partnership with Golden Path Solutions. The collaboration expands access to work-based learning opportunities that connect students with real-world experiences, support educators and help employers engage earlier with future talent.
What is work-based learning?
Work-based learning connects classroom instruction to real-world application through job shadows, internships, career mentoring, youth apprenticeships and employer-led projects. It helps students understand how their interests and strengths align with careers so they can make more informed choices. While students are exploring, employers are given a proactive approach to workforce development.
Educators transformed into workforce leaders
Work-based learning allows educators to move beyond career awareness and into career readiness. With the right tools and partnerships, schools can help students identify strengths earlier, connect learning to real-world relevance, provide equitable access to career exploration and support informed post-graduation decisions.
Compass, a platform developed by Golden Path Solutions, supports this work by helping educators align learning experiences with local workforce pathways. By using data, employer connections and insight tools, educators extend their impact well beyond the classroom.
How Compass supports students
Compass is an online career exploration tool for high school students. Students create a profile based on classes, activities, hobbies and interests. The platform uses widely recognized career indicators to help students identify strengths and explore careers using trusted data sources.
Compass also matches students with work-based learning opportunities connected to local employers. Students can explore opportunities, learn about careers and connect directly with businesses seeking future employees. The platform is accessible on phones or computers and can be updated throughout high school. All North Dakota students have access through RUReadyND.gov. Several schools in Minnesota also have access, including Moorhead High School.
A natural partnership
Workforce challenges in the region have developed over time due to demographic shifts, technology and changing skill demands. The Chamber already leads several workforce initiatives, making the partnership with Golden Path Solutions a natural fit.
Compass helps schools and employers identify future talent based on traits, interests and strengths, not just resumes or one-time meetings. Students gain early exposure to local careers before enrolling in college or technical school, while employers build long-term talent pipelines.
Employers as leaders
This initiative is driven by shared leadership. Local employers play a key role by participating in work-based learning and opening their doors to students. Employer involvement helps shape relevant skills, strengthen teams and improve long-term workforce retention.
Long-term community impact
The Chamber’s partnership with Golden Path began in 2025 and continues to grow. Today, it provides guidance, resources and tools that help employers, educators and students succeed together. Both organizations recognize that work-based learning supports business growth, a more resilient economy and a healthier community.
Chamber members receive discounted pricing on select fee-based Compass services. Use the code FMWFCHAMBER to save on all paid memberships.
Contact
Golden Path Solutions
info@goldenpath.net
701-866-2620
The Chamber
info@fmwfchamber.com
701-365-3440
