State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Spotlights Investments in Career and Technology Student Organizations
Visits Huntley Project High School CTE program
WORDEN, Mont. – Governor Gianforte today met with students and teachers at Huntley Project High School, touring their Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and spotlighting increased funding for Career and Technology Student Organizations (CTSOs) like Future Farmers of America (FFA) and SkillsUSA.
“When we invest in our students and organizations like FFA, we get better outcomes — Montana kids get hands-on experience in the workforce and communities are stronger,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It’s great to see these programs at work in Huntley High and across our state.”
Gov. Gianforte visiting with CTE students at Huntley Project High School
Visiting with Huntley Project High CTE instructor Logan Kotar, the governor learned about program offerings that include auto and welding, as well as ag mechanics and ag science.
“As a high school shop teacher, my role in teaching in Career and Technical Education is crucial in preparing my students to be successful in their future careers in various industries,” Kotar said.
Meeting with students participating in FFA, the governor heard about their involvement with the organization and highlighted recent efforts to increase funding for these successful programs.
“There are so many different opportunities in FFA for any aspect of your life that you want to go into. Whether you want a more hands-on field like mechanics, or something like sales – there’s something for you. Not to mention the connections you make with people, and the way it helps you to get out of your shell,” said Huntley Project FFA student Tanner Stott.
The seven existing CTSOs in Montana expand student access to workforce training programs, increase graduation rates, and facilitate students’ transitions to post-secondary education or employment.
Tripling the funding for CTSOs in Montana, the governor last year signed into law House Bill 382, sponsored by Rep. Greg Oblander, R-Billings.
In addition to incentivizing CTSOs to strengthen their industry partnerships, the bill also created internship and work-based learning opportunities and expanded remote programming to rural communities.
Joining the governor for the visit, Rep. Oblander shared, “This bill is extraordinarily important. I found that in talking with both students and educators, they have not had any increase in funding in over ten years. This is allowing them to expand not only in public schools, but also in private and home schools. Now there’s a broader group that gets the opportunity to experience CTE and CTSOs.”
Rounding out CTE week in Montana, and concluding his visit to Huntley High, the governor added, “Our goal in education has got to be to help every student reach their full potential, and that’s what Career and Technical Education is all about.”
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