In partnership with Microsoft and Community Skills Initiative, the FMWF Chamber Foundation hosted its first UpSkill-a-Thon in North Dakota and the Minnesota counties of Clay, Becker, Wilkin, and Otter Tail. The competition was part of The Foundation’s Ignite initiative and ran from February 1 to March 31.

The competition provided access to 152 courses, which were offered for free in both English and Spanish. Participants could complete courses in series to earn certificates and micro-credentials. 126 individuals successfully completed 417 certificates across nine different learning pathways.

Micro-credentials and certificates were offered in several fields:

Administrative Professional | Business Analyst | Data Analyst | Digital Literacy & Productivity | Entrepreneurship | In-Demand Professional Soft Skills | Project Manager | Software Developer | System Administrator

Our UpSkill-a-Thon represented 45% of all certificates and micro-credentials earned across all participating states and communities nationwide.

This was the most participation in any competition. Thanks to the generous support and partnership of Microsoft, Community Skills Initiative, New Tech Alliance, and LinkedIn, all courses and pathways will remain available through 2024 at https://www.communityskilling.org/partner/nd.

The competition saw 12 winners and a total of $10,050 given out in cash prizes.
 

1st place winners - $1500

• Morgan Hovde | Minto, ND
• Shivanthy (Shivi) Jones | West Fargo, ND
• Kelly Lynch | Fargo, ND

2nd place winners - $1000

• Amanda Meier | Devils Lake, ND
• Jessica Fish | Devils Lake, ND
• Kevin Tweeton | Moorhead, MN

3rd place winners - $600

• Tyrese Leaf | Fort Trotten. ND
• Ashley Asuzu | West Fargo, ND
• Paul Kinney | Grand Forks, ND

4th place winners - $250

• Wyatt Carlson | Moorhead, MN
• Lomalungelo (Lucinda) Mavuso | Fargo, ND
• Allison Fulton | Fargo, ND