• Mandan, North Dakota’s public school district is using artwork to honor Marathon Petroleum’s Mandan refinery for its key role in the development of a career and technical education center.
• The district has added murals to the facility that incorporate Marathon’s logo with illustrations that represent industries tied to the center’s curriculum.
• A grant from the Mandan refinery helped make the center possible by providing industry-grade equipment to enhance student training.

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Finishing touches have been added to a facility providing a level of career preparation not previously available to many high school students in west-central North Dakota. Colorful murals now greet students and visitors to the Heart River Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, which is in its second school year as a regional hub after opening in 2024 at Mandan High School.

“The Heart River CTE serves over 1,500 students across 11 school districts,” said Janelle Heinsohn, community relations coordinator with Mandan Public Schools. “It has several satellite sites that offer programing throughout the region, including underserved schools on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.”  

The murals, which blend renderings of regional landscapes with images from various professional sectors, were finished right before the start of the current school year. By incorporating Marathon Petroleum Corporation’s (MPC) logo, they acknowledge MPC’s Mandan refinery for its key role in the development of the CTE.

“Investing in a program that provides clear professional pathways for future generations is one of the most important contributions we could make. We want to help young people become career-ready.”  

“Marathon’s generosity helped make the CTE space possible,” Heinsohn said. “Its grant was used to purchase industry-standard equipment that enhances student training and instruction for professional development.”

The facility’s courses provide hands-on learning and experience in information technology, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, welding, health care, the culinary arts and other occupational fields with high demand.

“Our support reflects a commitment to the community and workforce development in this region,” said Joshua Dorfmueller, vice president of refining responsible for the Mandan refinery and the Dickinson renewable diesel facility. “Given the technical nature of our industry, we appreciate the value of skilled employees.”

Beyond knowledge and experience, Heart River CTE also provides dual-credit opportunities to students through an agreement with Bismarck State College. 

“Investing in a program that provides clear professional pathways for future generations is one of the most important contributions we could make,” Dorfmueller said. “We want to help young people become career ready.”