Education Still Counts

Who this program supports

Education Still Counts is for internationally educated immigrants in Fargo and across North Dakota—people who completed their education, earned credentials, or built professional careers in another country and are now working to rebuild that professional life here.

You may have worked in health care, education, engineering, business, or another field. Whatever your profession, the knowledge and experience you carry still count.

What people are facing

Entering a new community often means carrying education, experience, hope, and a real desire to contribute—while still struggling to understand unfamiliar systems.

Questions about credential recognition, licensing, and professional expectations can feel overwhelming, and reliable information can be hard to find. Too often, the skills people bring go unrecognized.

What the program provides

We walk alongside you with practical, respectful support:

• Time to be heard. We listen to your professional story—where you have been, what you know, and where you hope to go.
• Help organizing credential and licensing questions. Together, we sort out what you need to know and where to begin.
• Reliable sources. We help you identify trustworthy information instead of guesswork.
• Connection. When available, we connect you with profession-informed volunteers or community resources.

Education Still Counts is about recognition, dignity, and belonging—not recruitment. Arise Above Foundation does not evaluate credentials or issue licenses; we help you understand the path and connect you with the people and sources who can.

Where we serve

Arise Above Foundation is rooted in Fargo, North Dakota, and walks alongside communities across the state. If you are unsure whether we can serve your community, reach out—we will listen and, when possible, help you find the right support.

How to take part

1. Reach out through our Seek Support form and choose Education Still Counts—or tell us you are not sure yet.
2. Someone from Arise Above Foundation listens to your story and your questions.
3. Together, we organize your next steps and connect you with reliable sources or profession-informed volunteers when available.

For professionals and organizations

Employers, workforce programs, professional associations, adult education programs, and immigrant- and refugee-serving organizations can refer someone to Education Still Counts—with that person’s permission—or talk with us about working together.

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