A wave of excitement filled Minot State University on Tuesday, January 6, as Marketplace for Kids celebrated an incredible 25-year milestone of bringing education to life for thousands of young learners. The silver anniversary of Education Day showcased the best of what happens when communities invest in youth—hands-on learning, career exploration, and students confidently presenting their own business ideas.

"This happens to be the 25th annual Education Day here at Minot State, which is pretty cool," said Robert Heitkamp, executive director of Marketplace for Kids, whose enthusiasm perfectly captures the spirit of this long-running success story. "It's also our 31st year as a continuously running program."

The numbers tell an inspiring tale of growth and impact. What began as a single event has blossomed into 14 Education Day events across North Dakota this year alone, reaching between 5,000 and 6,000 registered students statewide. When you include the dedicated presenters, volunteers, and chaperones who make it all possible, total attendance exceeds 10,000 people annually—a true community effort.

Students experienced five rotating class sessions led by passionate professionals from diverse fields including state agencies, skilled trades, emergency services, and local businesses. The curriculum thoughtfully balanced practical life skills with creative exploration, offering everything from financial literacy courses like "Does Money Grow on Trees?" to hands-on STEM activities, land surveying demonstrations, and even acting fundamentals.

One of the day's most heartwarming moments included students learning the proper way to fold the American flag, led by Richard Reuer of the Disabled American Veterans—a beautiful example of civic education meeting intergenerational connection.

Perhaps most exciting was the entrepreneurship showcase in the MSU Dome, where young innovators displayed their original business concepts and inventions. Students from Central Elementary at Tioga, Stanley Elementary, and Minot's Perkett and Edison Elementary schools presented ideas ranging from service businesses like lawn care and pet care to creative inventions addressing safety and everyday challenges.

"Students are already taking the first steps toward building a business at 10 or 12 years old," Heitkamp explained with evident pride. "They have to explain their idea, what it costs to make and how they would sell it. That's real-world learning."

The program's commitment to equity shines through its expansion to underserved communities, including Native American schools in Fort Totten, Fort Yates, and Belcourt, with more locations in development.

Recent impact assessments reveal extraordinary results. New pre- and post-class surveys show student knowledge gains that exceed all expectations. "The numbers are blowing us away," Heitkamp shared. "In some classes, we're seeing a 300 to 1,000 percent increase in self-reported knowledge in a single day."

This remarkable longevity stems from strong partnerships with schools, universities, volunteers, and community organizations. By working closely with local chambers of commerce and industry leaders, Marketplace for Kids ensures students learn about real opportunities in their own communities.

As these young people navigated the university campus, explored career possibilities, and proudly presented their entrepreneurial dreams, they weren't just participating in an event—they were experiencing a program that has successfully prepared North Dakota youth for bright futures for over three decades.