Hundreds of young students are set to descend on Minot State University on Dec. 19 for the 23rd annual Minot Marketplace for Kids Education Day.

Students will take part in a variety of classes covering topics like electric motors, prehospital patient care, the journey of food from farm to table and energy opportunities in the state. Presenters will include representatives from the state Electrical Board, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, and paramedics from local medical facilities.

The program targets grades three through eight but is open to all ages. Marketplace for Kids provides a variety of experiential learning classes and activities to help students develop innovation, enhance personal development and explore career options. Minot groups and businesses will be volunteering for the event.

Students will be showcasing their innovative ideas in the Hall of Great Ideas (in the Dome) from 11:35 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. Those interested can stop by and view the projects, visit with the students and encourage their creativity. Members from the business community will be listening to business pitches from the project students and presenting ribbons to them.

“As we move into a new chapter of life, entrepreneurship and innovation will become more crucial for our state and our country. The Marketplace for Kids program will play a critical role in fostering our next generation of business leaders. The work you do with your students, preparing them for their futures, is the most noble of professions. I commend you and have my utmost gratitude” said N.D. Department of Career and Technical Education Director Wayde Sick. “Marketplace for Kids encourages your students or children to develop their own ideas, share their creativity and present them to an audience of all ages.”