North Dakota Petroleum Foundation

09/09/2026

We are so excited! The first North Dakota Energy Education career exploration event of the school year starts today in Dickinson! The T4 Summits (Tools, Trades, Torque, Tech) allow middle and high school students to learn about jobs available in the state.
We are grateful to our NDPC members who are facilitating sessions: ConocoPhillips, Baranko Companies, Barr Engineering, and Butler Machinery Company

09/08/2026

We are proud to sponsor The Bismarck Tribune's Teen of the Week series again this school year.
Do you know an awesome high school senior in your community? Forward this nomination form to your local school and suggest a school representative to recommend that student.
https://leeenterprises.formstack.com/forms/2026_teen_of_the_week

Before Alexis Thompson crossed the stage as valedictorian of her senior class at Century High School last spring, she had already achieved incredible things. ⤵️ Find a link to the story in the comments.

09/07/2026

We hope you enjoy your holiday. Happy Labor Day!

09/01/2026

How do you reach tomorrow's workforce?
By offering to facilitate a hands-on session at an upcoming career exploration event for students!
Find out more about North Dakota Energy Education: https://www.t4ndsummit.org/summits

08/20/2026

Sign up and facilitate a hands-on learning experience for students in Dickinson and/or Stanley this September.
https://www.t4ndsummit.org/summits

08/13/2026

Oil & Natural Gas Industry Partners — We Need You in Dickinson!
Help North Dakota students discover where a career in oil and natural gas could take them!
The ND Energy Education Career Exploration Summit is coming to the Dickinson Trinity Campus, September 9–10, 2026, and we’re looking for industry partners to help facilitate hands-on experiences for students in grades 6–12.
Introduce students to real careers and career pathways, showcase the technology and skills used in the field, and help inspire North Dakota’s future workforce.
Interested in helping facilitate a session in Dickinson about the energy industry?
Sign up and learn more: https://www.t4ndsummit.org/dickinson
If you have questions, contact Shawn Brink at [email protected] or 701-471-2897.

08/04/2026

Did you miss the Bakken Basics Education Session during the Powers Lake CookFest in July?
You can watch the recording thanks to Steve Hallstrom with AM 1100 The Flag WZFG.
https://youtu.be/eggxCko-Wa4
The North Dakota Petroleum Foundation hosts the Annual Bakken Rocks CookFest each July.
The Bakken Basics Education Session on July 16th, 2026, was held at the Powers Lake School.
The attendees were welcomed by Powers Lake Mayor Kari Engel and North Dakota Senator Mark Enget.
Speakers included:
• Ron Ness, President, North Dakota Petroleum Council
• Drilling Basics and New Developments - Eli Puckett, Drilling Superintendent, Chord Energy
• Department of Mineral Resources Oil and Gas Update - Marc Binns, District Supervisor, Williston Field Office, ND Dept. of Mineral Resources
• Transporting Bakken Oil and Natural Gas to Market - Justin Kringstad, Executive Director, North Dakota Pipeline Authority
• From Pump Jacks to Piggy Banks: North Dakota's Energy Revenue - Alison Ritter, Executive Director, Western Dakota Energy Association

The North Dakota Petroleum Foundation hosts the Annual Bakken Rocks...

08/03/2026

Volunteers Needed!

The North Dakota Petroleum Foundation and Mule Deer Foundation are looking for volunteers to help complete a fence removal project at the Mark Stark Ranch, located south of Judson, ND.

📅 Friday, August 21, 2026
🕗 8:00 a.m. CT

Interested in lending a hand? Contact Ron Ness at [email protected] for directions and additional details.

07/31/2026

Ron Ness presents at TEDxFargo!

“We are now a powerhouse to feed and fuel the nation, and the opportunity and the future is right,” Ron Ness shared during the TEDxFargo event on July 30th.
https://www.inforum.com/community/tedxfargo-continues-to-show-a-thriving-north-dakota-on-thursday

07/29/2026

Burke County Tribune reports on the Bakken Rocks CookFest held in Powers Lake, ND, on July 16th.
https://www.journalnd.com/articles/neighbors/bakken-briefs-564/