GRAND FORKS (AP) - A University of North Dakota program has been named one of the top 50 government innovations for 2006 by Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

UND's Rural Service Delivery partnered with the Social Security Administration to create a program known as Video Claims Taking, which allows people in rural communities to apply for social security benefits or complete claims to the Social Security Administration via broadband video-conferencing technology.

The VCT program already connects Belcourt, Ft. Washakie, Wyo., and Pine Ridge, S.D. to Social Security Administrations in larger communities.

The program was selected as one of the top 50 programs for "exemplifying the most innovative, creative and results-oriented efforts in government today," according to officials from the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University.

The Ash Institute puts out the list annually in cooperation with the Council for Excellence in Government.

The VCT program is now a semifinalist for the Innovations in Government Awards.

Eighteen finalists, chosen from the 50, will be announced on May 4 during Public Service Recognition Week. The National Selection Committee on Innovation in American Government will then select seven winners, who will each receive $100,000.