State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Highlights Expanding Work-Based Learning for Montana Students
Celebrates Advanced Opportunities Program investment at Glacier High School
KALISPELL, Mont. – Visiting Glacier High School and highlighting recent investments to expand work-based learning opportunities in Montana schools, Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday spoke with students and educators on the impacts of the program.
“Working together with our partners in the legislature, we’re helping schools push beyond the traditional brick and mortar to prepare students for their future and build a highly skilled, highly qualified workforce,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Through our investments, we’re bringing education closer to the marketplace to create better outcomes for our students.”
Gov. Gianforte speaking to the Glacier High School Intro to Engineering Class
Advancing his pro-student, pro-parent, pro-teacher education agenda this legislative session, the governor reformed the Advanced Opportunities Program to support schools in expanding work-based and personalized learning opportunities for students.
House Bill 257, signed by the governor and sponsored by Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell, doubles the amount of funding individual elementary, high school, and K-12 districts may receive through the program while increasing the percentage of funding that goes directly to students.
Continuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) week, the governor met with students and educators to learn about how these investments are helping to expand work-based learning and internship opportunities for students.
In its second year, Glacier High School’s work-based learning program offers 44 students internship opportunities through its partnerships with over 75 local businesses. Internships range from plumbing and electrical work, to law, medicine, engineering, and opportunities through other small businesses.
Highlighting recent expansions to the program thanks to additional funding, Kalispell Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Peter Fusaro shared, “With the backing from the legislature and from our board, we now have the funding to model what some of the best schools in the nation are doing. Getting our students outside of the walls of the classroom and providing them with personalized learning allows them to explore their options and be truly engaged in their own education.”
The governor also heard from Kelsea Bemis, a senior at Glacier High and student participating in an internship through Code Girls United.
“Whether my internship is at a nonprofit, a law firm, or an engineering firm – wherever it is, it’s giving me applicable experience. Instead of just being able to learn something within the four walls of a classroom, I am able to change my perspective and learn how to communicate. At the end of the day, that’s what I am going to take with me to any profession.”
Rounding out the visit, the governor met with students in an Intro to Engineering class and fielded questions on his advice for students looking to pursue a career in engineering.
“Young Montanans should have the opportunity to develop their career interests in school, whether it's woodworking or engineering. Proud to celebrate our progress getting more students involved with hands-on work-based learning opportunities,” the governor concluded.
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