New Prairie Public Television documentary explores outmigration in North Dakota

FARGO, N.D., September 7, 2004—A new production from Prairie Public Television is investigating a persistent problem in North Dakota—the outmigration of the state’s young talent. “Building our Future” looks at the factors that lead to outmigration and the solutions to retaining more of our best and brightest. The 60-minute production debuts Tuesday, September 28, at 9 p.m. (CT).

Many say the state needs to be promoted in a more positive way, and that the North Dakota Legislature should pursue a more progressive economic agenda. North Dakota’s economy could also expand through diversification of Web based and information systems technology.

“The outmigration that grabbed North Dakota’s attention in the mid 1980’s persists. The problem has been debated, solutions have been offered, some progress has been made,” said “Building Our Future” producer, writer and narrator Matt Olien. “Prairie Public Television’s reach, its ability to inform people in a readily available format—television—can help. There is a great need for continued discussion.”

Olien, editor Dave Geck, and Prairie Public videographers have been working on this project since the fall of 2003—traveling to small North Dakota communities that are successfully stemming the tide of outmigration through job opportunities, talking with young people and getting insights from government and community leaders in an effort to offer practical information.

Olien cites statistics from the North Dakota University System as an indication the negative trends may be reversing. For example, 52 percent of North Dakota State University’s 2003 bachelor of science graduates found work in the state, compared to only 42 percent of 1999 bachelor of science graduates who found work in the state.

High school students, college students, and native North Dakotans who have returned to the state are featured in “Building Our Future”—pondering their futures and sharing their thoughts on North Dakota and the state’s apparent image problem. Elementary-age inventors and future entrepreneurs at the Marketplace for Kids Expo in Minot, N.D., as well as three Minot high school students who have formed their own Web company, offer their perceptions.

Leaders who supply insights and possible political solutions in “Building Our Future” include North Dakota Governor John Hoeven, North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, North Dakota Data Center Director Richard Rathge, former North Dakota Governor George Sinner, former North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer, State Senator Joel Heitkamp of Hankinson and State Representative Dave Monson of Osnabrock.

Funding for “Building Our Future” is provided by USDA Rural Development and the members of Prairie Public Television.