Bozeman, MT, March 14-15, 2024 – Over 600 members, chaperones, advisers, volunteers, and partners from all across the state attended the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) 2024 State Leadership Conference (SLC) in Bozeman, MT March 14-15, 2024. Attendees enjoyed opportunities for personal development, career exploration, and community service. The event was made possible through a sponsorship by the Montana State University College of Education, Health and Human Development.
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Throughout SLC, attendees participated in a variety of activities. The keynote speaker was Cody Byrns, and workshop session presenters included Chef Eduardo Garcia of Montana Mex, Campgrounds of America CEO/President and former Montana FCCLA State President Toby O’Rourke,
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and Brooklynn Gross of FCCLA's Leadership Training Team. Workshop sessions focused on a variety of topics including personal development, leadership training, career development, and physical and mental health resources.
While at the conference, students competed in career-focused Skill Demonstration Events testing their knowledge in personal finance, consumer responsibilities, technology, health and safety, and more. Also held during the conference were STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events, where students showcased their efforts and accomplishments in areas including career development, community service, and personal growth. Events also Included student projects In areas related specifically to Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) content Including child development, nutrition and wellness, personal finance, fashion design, Interior design, and career development.
One component of the conference activities Included the Montana ProStart/FCCLA culinary competitions held at Gallatin College. Culinary students from eight Montana schools competed in both culinary and management competitions, with industry experts critiquing their performance. The ProStart program serves secondary students In Montana schools and Is sponsored by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation through a partnership with the Montana Retailers Association, preparing secondary students for a smooth transition into the hospitality industry. The ProStart program offers students a two-year curriculum in the hospitality industry, complete with industry-recognized credentials and mentorships from industry.
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Additional activities for conference attendees Included participation In a series of career preparation workshops, chapter leader training in the 2024-25 State Outreach Project Families First, Leadership
Development from the Montana National Guard, and a Relax Room, where students learned a variety of strategies to
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enhance well-being. Serving others was another major component of the conference.
Participants created and donated over 200 trail mix snack packs for clients served by the Tumbleweed Runaway Program, as well as donating nearly $700 to Montana's Farm in the Dell, offering a lifelong home in an agricultural setting for adults with developmental disabilities. Many generous sponsorships helped to support this conference. Platinum-level conference sponsors Included the MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development, and Gallatin College MSU.
Gold-level sponsors included Montana Pork Producers, Montana Restaurant Association, Reach Higher Montana, Montana Mex, and Zwilling JA Henckels.
Sponsoring at the silver level were the Montana Chamber Foundation, Zero to Five Montana, and Active Learning Labs. Bronze-level sponsors include Bequet Confections, the Montana Council for Economics Education, and Olivelle. STAR Event sponsorships included Zero to Five Montana, Montana Pork Producers, and the Montana Financial Education Coalition.
The Montana Department of Transportation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, and Youth Service America partnered with the group to sponsor outreach projects.
MDT also presented the Vision Zero awards at the conference, recognizing chapters Implementing projects targeted to teens with the goal of reducing distracted driving. MDT grants provided funding for chapters to develop these projects and also awarded cash prizes to the top three applicants. BlueCross Blue Shield funded local chapter grants for outreach projects through FCCLA’s Financial Fitness National Program, as well as cash prizes to the top three applicants.
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FCCLA members also networked with fellow youth leaders and learned more about future careers and
college options during the Conference Expo/College & Career Readiness Fair featuring such
participants as Gallatin College MSU, the Montana Department of Labor Job Services and
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Career Lab, Great Falls College MSU, Reach Higher Montana, MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development, Zwilling JA Henckels, University of Providence, Miles City Community College, Helena College, Zero to Five Montana, MSU Center for Research in Rural Education, Montana Pork Producers Council, Bequet Confections, Educational Opportunity Centers, University of Montana Western, Job Corps, Montana Digital Academy, Active Learning Labs, and Success N Fundraising, LLC.
Those in attendance at SLC exemplified FCCLA’s annual theme, “Experience the Ultimate Journey” and shared how they utilize the skills, experiences, and knowledge gained through FCCLA to make a difference in their families, careers, and communities. As the conference came to a close, new members were elected to the Montana FCCLA Board of Directors, and the State Executive Council was
installed. Jill Baumgardner, a student at Harlowton, was elected as the Montana FCCLA State President for the 2024-25 year. The rest of the council includes First Vice-President Kiarra Michalson of Gallatin High School, Vice President of Finance Aiden Kramer from Ennis, Vice-President of Membership Natalie Seitzinger of Powell County, Vice-President of Competitive Events Maddy Johnston of Fergus, Vice-President of Programs Triniti Anderson of Glasgow, Vice-President of Community Outreach Ava Krings of Conrad, Vice-President of Public Relations Jodi Gibson of Garfield County, and the Vice-President of Parliamentary Law Frankie Struck of Billings Skyview.
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About FCCLA
Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective student-led nation-based organization supporting youth on their journey to become the leaders of tomorrow and helping them address
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important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has over 200,000 members and more than 4,900 chapters from 47 state associations and Puerto Rico.
FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members. It is the only career and technical intracurricular student organization with a central focus on careers that support families. Participation in national FCCLA programs and chapter activities aids members in becoming strong leaders in their families, careers, and
communities.
April 25- Deadline for May 10 Payment of Cash Request Submission
Early May – Carl Perkins Fiscal Year 25 Application opens in E-grants
May 10- OPI pays Cash Requests received by April 25
May 13- End of Year CTE Data Collection Opens
May 25- Deadline for June 10 Payment of Cash Request Submission
June 1- Last day for Amendments for Fiscal Year 2024 Perkins Grant ends June 30
June 10- “First June Payment” OPI pays Cash Requests received by May 25
June 20- Deadline for June 23 Payment of Cash Request Submission
June 23- “Second June Grant Payment” OPI pays cash requests received (5/26-6/20)
Next payment is August 10th
June 21- CTE End of year Data Collection is DUE
June 30- Last day to obligate funds for Fiscal Year 2024 Carl Perkins grant
June 30- Carl Perkins Fiscal year 2025 Grant is DUE
July 1- State Fiscal year begins and Spending for Carl Perkins FY 25 begins
July 10- No grant payments in July
July 25- Deadline for August 10 Payment of Cash Request Submission
July 31- Last day to liquidate obligations for Carl Perkins FY24 Grant that ended 7/30
August 10- Final Expenditure Report for Carl Perkins FY 24 Grant is DUE
August 10- OPI pays Cash Requests received by July 25
When districts fail to meet the Final Expenditure Deadline of August 10- they are holding all districts up from receiving final budget allocations that allow them to submit their final budget amendment. The CTAE Unit wants to provide districts with the final allocations from carryover by the end of September this cannot be completed when we must spend time tracking down reports.
As the healthcare industry continues to grow in Montana, HOSA-Future Health Professionals, a Career and Technical Student Organization, continues to strive to engage high school students in a future career in the healthcare industry.
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More than 400 high school students from across the state attended the annual Montana HOSA State Leadership Conference. The HOSA State Leadership Conference offers 70 industry-recognized competitive events that provide student members with an opportunity to develop specific skill sets and receive recognition for their commitment, dedication, and rigorous work.
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Some of the events students competed in were Academic Testing, Teamwork, Leadership, Emergency Preparedness, Health Professions, and Health Science events!
Students competed at three campuses across the span of two days at Rocky Vista University – Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine, Montana State University Billings City College, and Rocky Mountain College.
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Students attended workshops an Exhibitor’s Fair, an Opening Session Dinner, and an awards ceremony.
The 2024 State Leadership Conference was a huge success led by HOSA State Director, Katie Meier, hosts, judges, vendors, workshop hosts, board members, teacher advisors, sponsors, and supporters.”
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We need your help!
The Montana Work-based Learning Collaborative is conducting an Employer Workplace Satisfaction Survey. The information will inform the work of the Collaborative, program builders, and decision-makers across the state to improve workforce support, work-based learning, and education opportunities so that young people are better prepared for employment success and employers gain skilled workers.
Start the survey!
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We appreciate the organizations who are helping to distribute the survey:
- MT Association of Counties
- MT Chamber of Commerce (and local chambers)
- MT Department of Commerce
- MT Department of Labor & Industry
- MT Economic Development Association (and regional EDAs)
- MT Equipment Dealers Association
- MT High Tech Business Alliance
- MT Hospital Association
- MT League of Cities and Towns
- MT Manufacturing Extension Center
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MT Nonprofit Association
- MT Primary Care Association
- MT Restaurant Association
- MT Retail Association
- MT Rural Health Initiative
- Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education
- Office of Public Instruction
- Career & Technical Student Organizations
- Members of the Work-Based Learning Collaborative
*FREE FOR MONTANA TEACHERS!
This virtual (synchronous) course examines the computing field and how it impacts the human condition. Exciting ideas and influential people are introduced. A gentle introduction to computational thinking using the Python programming language is provided. The course also introduces participants to robotic platforms. Offered virtually July 8 – July 12, 2024, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily. Taught by MSU-Bozeman Computer Science Faculty, Hunter Lloyd. *Full tuition stipend available for teachers in Montana who submit a letter of support from an administrator and a brief letter of intent.
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Visit the MSU MSSE program website for registration, application, and other information: montana.edu/msse [montana.edu] or msse@montana.edu.
(NOTE: you can take MSSE classes as a non-degree seeking student—you do not need to be admitted to the MSU Master of Science in Science Education (MSSE) program to take this course.)
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Montana State University is offering CSCI 581 Computer Science in the Classroom: Computational Thinking for Teachers this summer, July 8-12, 2024. The course is free to Montana teachers and will be offered via a synchronous virtual format.
The course examines the computing field and how it impacts the human condition. Exciting ideas and influential people are introduced. A gentle introduction to computational thinking using the Python programming language is provided. The course also introduces participants to robotic platforms.
The course will meet 8 am-5 pm daily and will be taught by MSU Bozeman Computer Science faculty member Dr. Hunter Lloyd. A full tuition stipend is available for Montana teachers who submit a letter of support from an administrator and a brief letter of intent.
With the support of sponsors, Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, Robinhood Markets, Reach Higher, and First Security Bank in Bozeman, MCEE covers all associated costs for the program.
Educators will qualify for 14 hours of OPI renewal unit professional development credit.
Professors from Montana State University’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics support instruction and curriculum development. MCEE and its board of directors will host a Teacher Appreciation Dinner Thursday evening.
The program is focused on current economic research, teaching economics fundamentals, personal finance classroom resources, and student engagement ideas/programs.
Enjoy two days in Bozeman, Montana, on the campus of Montana State University. Classes will be offered in Linfield Hall. Teacher's housing will be provided on campus.
MCEE and its generous sponsors will cover your expenses for
- Lodging
- Mileage
- Meals
- Parking
- Class Materials
Click here to review previous agendas. Register today to reserve your spot. For questions, please contact MCEE Executive Director Dax Schieffer at mcee@montana.edu.
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Applications are now open for Code.org’s Professional Learning Program for middle and high school educators! Explore the CS curriculum and collaborate with educators of all experience levels to develop lesson plans and hone your teaching strategies for the 2024-2025 academic year.
What is the Professional Learning Program? Hosted by highly trained facilitators, our professional development workshops will prepare you to confidently bring CS to your students as well as connect with an online and in-person community of peers.
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Most workshops have scholarship funding available.
Elementary teachers can sign up for a one-day workshop near you. Applications are not required for Computer Science Fundamentals workshops which take place throughout the country, year-round.
Middle and high school teachers will begin with a five-day workshop on Computer Science Discoveries, Computer Science Principles, or AP Computer Science A in the summer, with academic year workshops thereafter.
Computer Science Discoveries offerings—
- June 17-21: Boise, Idaho
- June 24-28: Virtual
- July 22-26: Virtual
- July 29-August 2: Tukwila, Washington
- August 17-October 2: Virtual
Computer Science Principles offerings—
- June 17-21: Boise, Idaho
- June 24-28: Virtual
- July 22-26: Virtual
- July 29-August 2: Tukwila, Washington
AP Computer Science A offerings—
- June 17-21: Boise, Idaho
- June 24-28: Virtual
- July 29-August 2: Tukwila, Washington
The cost of CSA, CSD, or CSP is $1,500/person. This covers the tuition for both the summer and academic year workshops (9 total days of training). Any travel, lodging, or food costs for in-person trainings are separate. Scholarship opportunities are available to cover the costs of Code.org training tuition for qualified applicants.
Montana BPA is headed to Chicago, Illinois. 458 individuals will be representing Montana at NLC 2024. 71 chapters, 304 secondary students, 46 middle-level students and 1 collegiate student, 67 advisors, 35 chaperones, and 5 guests. They will join 6450 other BPA members at this year's NLC on May 9-14, 2024.
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Work-Based Learning is an important part of education:
It can provide the relevancy of information learned as well as assist with the knowledge and skills necessary in selecting a career.
Many businesses, agencies, and institutions offer work-based learning experiences, be they from the hosting site, being part of planning teams within state agencies, preparing the workforce through post-secondary institutions or offering foundational education and training through high school career and technical education programs.
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The outcome is the same—provide work-related experiences that will promote the selection of a career that fits their aptitudes and interests, along with meeting the workforce needs of Montana.
This manual was developed to indicate how to combine efforts, focusing on the student experience at the secondary level. Note, that after the forward section, there are two sections:
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A Work-Based Learning Google Folder accompanies this manual for sample forms and documents. The file is fluid and ever-changing as best practices and resources are shared for inclusion. With that in mind, continually revisit to assist with your work-based learning efforts.
As this is a collaborative project. There are also links provided to other important entities of Work Based Learning provided at the end of the document. Those Resources can also be found here. WBL Manual Resources Page.
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June 17-19, 2024, the Culinary Institute of Montana is hosting a Culinary Teacher Professional Development called “Recipe For Success”. This three-day industry immersion will include technical skill training, lab management, equipment use, and STEM applications including culinary math and the science behind cooking. A Gourmet Chef’s Table dinner will be produced for the attendees by the students of the Culinary Institute. Priority Deadline is April 15th and there is a limited attendee allowance due to lab space. Registration is $250 and includes lodging, meals, and mileage reimbursement. Secondary teachers attending can use Perkins funding to support related costs.
The Office of Public Instruction has developed this webpage to support local school districts concerning financial literacy instruction for K-12 schools.
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Flathead Valley Community College Welding Instructor Training from June 10-14! Space is limited to 14 teachers. April 30 is our priority registration deadline.
Professional Development includes:
• Review of AWS qualifications, shop maintenance, advanced welding techniques, safety standards, equipment review, TIG, belt sanders, E.G. bandsaw and proper bead sequencing, scarfing tips;
• Daily lab practicals, discussions with discontinuities and defects review;
• Preparation to complete AWS certification
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Details overview: June 10-14 at Flathead Valley Community College. Materials cost: $200. Tuition cost: in-district (Flathead or Lincoln County residents) $150 out-of-district (MT residents) $200. Travel expenses: Grant funds available to cover lodging, mileage, and meals per diem
Course: WLDG 194-01 Workshop 2 credits
Please let me know if you want me to reach out to your administration regarding covering the cost of this class. I’m happy to help! -Beth Romain
Registration process:
RSVP to Beth Romain This will allow me to set up your lodging if needed.
Online application for admission: If you attended this workshop in summer 2022 you are not required to submit a new application. However, if any of your contact information has changed, please email that to me and we will update your information.
Registration form: I attached this document to the email. Please fill it out and email it back to Beth Romain.
2023-24 CTE-Perkins Office Hours
Every Wednesday 7:00am-4:00pm
Our Office hours are a great place to jump on and ask any question regarding the Perkins process or application. Our Specialists are there to help with one-on-one instruction!
For questions, please contact:
OPI CTE Unit General Questions
Shannon Boswell, Career Technical and Adult Education Director
Eric Tilleman, Agriculture Education Specialist
Jamie Corley, Health Sciences Education Specialist
Kaitlin Trutzel, Industrial Technology Specialist
Eric Swenson, Business Education Specialist
Gayla Randel, Family & Consumer Sciences Education Specialist
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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