North Dakota Governor School at UND
Where curious students turn passion into real-world experience.
Governor’s School is your chance to spend part of your summer at UND exploring careers, doing hands-on research, and connecting with people who share your interests. If you’re a motivated North Dakota sophomore or junior who wants to challenge yourself, meet new people, and explore your future—this is your place.
What You'll Do
Learn by doing—not just listening.
At Governor’s School, you’ll dive into hands-on projects, labs, and activities that show you what your future could look like. You’ll:
- Work directly with UND faculty and professionals in your chosen field
- Join research projects and real-life learning experiences
- Go on field trips connected to your area of interest
- Attend seminars that help you understand how your skills apply to real careers
- Build confidence in your next steps—college, career, and beyond
2027 Discipline Areas
Education
If you love helping others learn, this pathway lets you explore everything from early childhood to high school teaching. You’ll try out real classroom activities, learn how teachers make an impact, and see why education careers are growing nationwide.
Energy Law & Legal Studies
Curious about crime labs, environmental issues, or how laws shape our world? You’ll explore forensic science, criminal justice, energy law, and more. Field trips and hands-on activities show you how legal and environmental decisions affect everyday life.
Health Studies
If you’re interested in medicine, sports, nutrition, or helping people stay healthy, this pathway gives you a behind-the-scenes look at UND’s health programs. You’ll explore labs, simulations, and careers in fast-growing health fields.
Mental Health
Learn how professionals support individuals, families, and communities. You’ll explore psychology, counseling, social work, and psychiatry—and see how mental health careers make a real difference.
A Community That Feels Like You Belong
Governor’s School isn’t just about academics—it’s about finding your people.
You’ll join a group of motivated students from across North Dakota who are excited to learn, explore, and try new things. Together, you’ll:
- Build friendships through shared interests
- Connect with UND students and faculty
- Experience campus life
- Take field trips that make learning fun
- Discover a community where you’re supported, encouraged, and valued
Live on Campus
You’ll stay in UND residence halls, eat in the dining center, and get a real taste of college life. Housing and meals are covered through support from the North Dakota Legislature and Department of Public Instruction.
Program Timing
UND hosts Governor’s School every other summer. Students stay on campus for three weeks, June 7 - 23, 2027.
Apply for North Dakota Governor School
Requirements
To apply for NDGS 2027, please have a copy of your transcript available to attach (an unofficial copy is ok), and be prepared to answer the following questions (you may copy and paste responses when applying):
-
List the honors, awards, or recognition you have received since 9th grade. Indicate if the award was at the international, national, state, regional, local, district, or school level and if it was an individual or group award. Spell out the award name; do not use abbreviations.
Examples:
- Class president for junior class at my high school (individual school award)
- Debate Team Champions for impromptu speaking at ND State Speech Tournament (group state award)
- Third place U.S. persuasive writing award (individual national award)
- Community volunteer (individual recognition)
- In 250 words or less, share something unique about you—an activity, experience, or personal quality that sets you apart. Tell us why it’s important in your life. This could be a hobby, volunteer work, job, internship, or creative passion. You can paste your response into the box below or upload a file.
- Please list a teacher reference (name and email address) who can speak to your skills and interests. This teacher will receive an email requesting a reference for you.