CTAE December Newsletter
All Things CTAE for Montana
Improving Equity in and Access to Quality CTE Programs for Students Experiencing Homelessness
 NCHE is pleased to announce the availability of a new brief authored in partnership with Advance CTE.
The National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) in partnership with Advance CTE has published Improving Equity in and Access to Quality CTE Programs for Students Experiencing Homelessness. Intentional and early collaboration between state and local homeless education and career and technical education (CTE) leaders is vital to developing solutions that ensure success in CTE programs for learners experiencing homelessness. This brief aims to help these leaders begin this body of work.
The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) expanded the definition of special populations to include individuals experiencing homelessness, as defined by Subtitle VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This designation requires state and local CTE leaders and their partners to provide intentional supports to ensure CTE access and success for learners experiencing homelessness.
Research shows that learners experiencing homelessness who are enrolled in and complete CTE courses are more likely to graduate high school. Research also shows that young people who lack a high school diploma are at a disproportionately high risk for experiencing homelessness (see brief for details). While there is great benefit to completing CTE programs for learners experiencing homelessness, exploring these learners' unique barriers to CTE access and developing targeted strategies to support this population are relatively unexplored areas in many states.
This new resource identifies common barriers to high-quality CTE pathways and recommends strategies for how CTE and homeless education leaders can work together to build new opportunities for learners experiencing homelessness in their state to access and succeed in CTE programs.
Reach Higher Montana Launches Annual
Reach Higher Montana Scholarship
Participating students can win a $1,000 scholarship
Do you know a student who could use $1,000 to help pay for their education? The Reach Higher Montana Scholarship program opens on December 1, 2020, at www.ReachHigherMontana.org.
This year, the Montana-based nonprofit organization will award eighty-one scholarships – thirty awards for Class of 2021 graduating high school seniors, and fifty awards for students currently attending a Montana college or university for use in the 2021-2022 academic year.
In addition, one $1,000 scholarship is earmarked for a current college student who has, or is currently, serving in the military. “The Carl Valvoda Military Scholarship is awarded in memory of Carl Valvoda, the son and husband of two former co-workers, who passed away due to a brain tumor,” said Rhonda Safford, Reach Higher Montana Programs Manager.
The deadline to apply is January 15, 2021.
To be eligible for the scholarship, all applicants must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA, be attending or have graduated from a Montana high school, and completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2021-2022. Scholarships may only be used at Montana postsecondary education institutions, including private and tribal colleges, and two-year, four-year, and university campuses. Scholarship funds are awarded directly to the colleges, and can be applied towards any elements of the recipient’s cost of attendance as calculated by the financial aid office.
“This is a popular scholarship, and every year we receive between 800-900 applications,” said Tessa Michelotti, Reach Higher Montana Programs Coordinator. “If you need help with your scholarship application, or just want to make sure your application stands out, check out our website for videos and helpful tips.”
Michelotti cautions students interested in applying for the Reach Higher Montana scholarship to watch carefully which application they are completing. High school students need to complete the high school application; current college students need to complete the current college student application.
The Reach Higher Montana website provides access to hundreds of scholarships, and the organization posts new scholarship opportunities on its Facebook and Instagram pages every Thursday.
For more information, please visit Reach Higher Montana’s website, www.ReachHigherMontana.org, or follow us on Facebook.
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2020 Montana FFA Review
This year has been... difficult and draining. We've all felt it. We have faced challenges unlike any other. However, there is much reason to be thankful and be hopeful. Every time they were challenged this year, FFA members rose to the occasion to overcome the barriers this year has presented us with. The Montana FFA Foundation is proud to support over 5,000 FFA members from 99 communities across Montana. With your help, here are some of the creative methods of connection and growth we provided to replenish FFA members this year:
- Awarded convention gift boxes to 1,000 FFA members to share State Convention memorabilia and welcome new members into our organization.
- Held our summer Ag Opportunities Tour and our State Day of Service where students learned about various businesses displaying how agriculturists in Montana are keeping our small communities vibrant.
- Hosted virtual leadership conferences for over 100 FFA members where they could connect and collaborate with students across the state.
- Presented statewide contests and learning seminars both virtually and in-person at 12 locations across Montana in November to provide hands-on learning opportunities.
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 We continue to support FFA members in their leadership development, work-based learning, and community service even in the face of uncertainty. There's about a billion things we don't know, but we do know that there is work to be done.
Together, we can further the mission of growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture.
Montana FFA Update:
Happy Holidays from the Montana FFA Association!!
We are excited to see what 2021 will bring to Montana FFA Members. It is looking like we will again be on track for having a record number of FFA members by the end of this current school year.
The John Deere Ag Expo was recently held at various locations across the state. Following local county health restrictions for limited participation and safety guidelines, members were able to engage in face-to-face activities in the areas of mechanics, agronomy, veterinary science, and sales as well as compete in numerous online events. Thanks to Montana’s John Deere Dealers for partnering to provide this opportunity to our students.
The state officers have been conducting chapter visits across the state and will complete these visits by January 15th. They have offered chapters a choice of four different workshops and all have been well received. Fortunately, the weather has been very good during their travels.
Assuming that we are able to have in person activities, the upcoming FFA activities for the near future are as follows:
January 16th Winter MAAE meeting in Helena
January 30th Fergus Mechanics competition in Lewistown
February 1st Melstone Mechanics
Montana Pollinator Education Project:
Pollinator Education for Students and Adults
Species, Habitat, Food Connections, and Conservation
Manhattan, Mt – November 30, 2020 Montana Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (MAITCF) and Gallatin County Conservation District are pleased to announce the updated version of the Montana Pollinator Education Project. This project focuses on vital information regarding pollinator species and their crucial role in Montana’s conservation and agriculture sectors.
This project showcases species and families of pollinators that make Montana their home. Each species has its own unique biodiversity and role in pollination. Factors such as housing, plant relationships, and unique characteristics are highlighted for each species. Seed packets are included in each kit to assist in creating a habitat for pollinators.
Lesson plans for K-8 teachers are ready for teachers to implement. Several graphic images of pollinators are also available on the website for a deeper understanding of pollinator markings and anatomy. Montana wildflower graphics are also available for teachers to use in the classroom to make connections between pollinators and conservation.
Pollinator enthusiasts, along with gardeners, conservationists, and student groups will find this project very helpful when seeking information on the role pollinators play in our lives and the health of their pollinator habitat. Several publications are included for additional information on lending a hand for pollinator conservation.
The Montana Pollinator Education Project is a combined effort by Montana Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, Gallatin County Conservation District, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Natural Resources Conservation Services, and Montana State University.
Cost: Pollinator education kits are free, postage and handling rates may apply.
Where to request a copy: email montanaaitc@gmail.com
Showcase events are planned for 2021, pending travel restrictions.
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Montana BPA Update:
Missoula Big Sky High School BPA is off and running. Co-advisors Jennifer Keintz and Laci Dunfee have been busy in their first year with a newly established BPA Chapter.
Since the beginning of the school year they have been working with their new chapter members with the following activities: 1)Opening of the school store 2) Finalizing our regional competition entries 3) Determining leadership positions: What will they be, how will we elect them, job descriptions 4) Community service activities: Blankets for the homeless; Adopting a BSHS family for the holidays; Christmas presents for Watson's Children Center; Supply packages for homeless shelter. 5) Plan a holiday get-together for team bonding.
Thank you to Jennifer and Laci for taking on the task on starting a new BPA chapter during these challenging times. You are fantastic and BPA appreciates you!!!
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Montana Business Education Students & Educators Participate in 2020 Hour of Code
Montana’s Business Education students and teachers from all across Montana took part in the 2020 Hour of Code project as part of Computer Science Education Week held December 7-13, 2020.
The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. Anyone—ages 4 to 104—anywhere—tutorials are available in over 30 languages—can participate in an Hour of Code event. Hour of Code is designed to be an opportunity for every student to try computer science for one hour.
Computer Science Education Week is held annually in recognition of the birthday of computing pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hopper, who was born December 9, 1906. The first Hour of Code was launched December 9, 2013.
During the week, Montana’s business education students and teachers were part of the global event which saw over 50 million students worldwide learn computer coding and programming within the seven-day period.
Almost all of Montana’s secondary business education programs are currently teaching computer science-related curricula including coding, programming, computer modeling, cybersecurity, web design, computer animation, mobile application development, network administration, robotics, and software engineering.
The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. The Hour of Code is organized by Code.org, a public 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to expanding participation in computer science by making it available in more schools, and increasing participation by women and underrepresented students of color. A number of organizations have come together to support the Hour of Code, too—including Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, CodeHS, Cyber.org, Scratch, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and the College Board.
Montana HOSA Update:
HOSA membership has been busy showing appreciation for our healthcare workers in November. While we appreciate our healthcare workers every day, this fall with pandemic numbers surging, it has been more important than ever to show our support. November is health care appreciation month, so we made a monthly challenge to our chapters to step up their game this year, and it has been moving to see the creative ways members showed support statewide. Many have also included into their celebration of HOSA Week which includes doing community service, professional skill development, and appreciation of healthcare workers. Watching students engage with our professional community in a new way despite the challenges in learning this year has been inspiring. For example, just as GFPS moved to temporary remote learning, CMR HOSA held tight to their plans of celebrating HOSA Week and hosted a "Pay it Forward" Scavenger Hunt in their community. "I knew the kids would do some great things, but I had no idea the caliber of greatness this would kind of spark in them, " said CMR advisor Christi Virts. Check out the full story of CMR's Pay It Forward Scavenger Hunt on KRTV.
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Montana FCCLA Update:
 This fall has brought many new experiences for our Montana FCCLA members, including virtual district meetings! Our State Executive Council has been working diligently to ensure they are able to connect with members within their district, despite being physically apart. Members in District 5 completed a service project as individual chapters, and even competed in a cupcake decorating challenge. (Pictured: Wibaux FCCLA and their service project.)
As we reflect on this last year, we at Montana FCCLA are grateful for our members, advisers and educators, staff, board members, and our partners. Thank you for your support! Happy Holidays!
Montana SkillsUSA Update:
SkillsUSA Montana recently obtained funding from the TC Energy Build Strong Program. The funding of $7500 will be used for the SkillsUSA Montana “Empowered To Succeed” initiatives that will help grow the state association and chapters in the areas of professional leadership. The funds will also help SkillsUSA Montana work with business and industry partnerships to grow our organization with CTE students.
In early November, SkillsUSA announced the National Leadership Conference will be held virtually rather than for all associations and members to travel to Atlanta, Georgia in June. Therefore, SkillsUSA Montana plans to hold their State Leadership Conference on a virtual platform as well.
Have a Happy Holiday season from all of us at SkillsUSA Montana!
Mary Heller, State Director
SkillsUSA Montana
406-399-0640
mary.heller@skillsusamontana.org
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The Prospects: 2021 High School Business
Plan & Pitch Competition
 THE PROSPECTS is a virtual statewide entrepreneurship competition with scholarships, cash and technology prizes for high school students with new ideas and existing small businesses. All entrants will have opportunities for mentoring and internships, apprenticeships and work-based learning.
We will be accepting submissions until midnight on Friday, February 12, 2021.
www.montanachamber.com/prospects
For questions, please contact:
Shannon Boswell, Division Administrator - 406.444.7915
Eric Tilleman, Agriculture Education Specialist - 406.444.4451
Renee Erlandsen, Health Sciences Education Specialist - 406.994.6986
Ian Beagles CTE/Perkins Data Control Specialist - 406.444.9019
Mike Houghton, Industrial Technology Specialist - 406.444.4452
Austin Schweitzer, Marketing Program Coordinator - 406.444.2059
Eric Swenson, Business Education Specialist - 406.444.7991
Megan Vincent, Family & Consumer Sciences Education Specialist - 406.444.3599
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
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