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Along with our partners at the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, we will plan regional meetings to prepare for the FY 27 Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment for the 2026-2027 Perkins Grant cycle.
The tentative dates and locations are:
- Eastern Region- Miles City , MT September 9, 2025
- Northcentral Region- Great Falls, MT September 10, 2025
- Northwest Region- Pablo, MT September 15, 2025
- Southwest Region- Butte, MT September 18, 2025
- Southcentral Region- Billings, MT September 22, 2025
We will provide more information as dates, locations, and start times are secured.
If you have any questions or need assistance, our team of specialists is available to support you. Map Key can be found here.
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ATLANTA, GA — The last week of June saw more than 6,000 students from across the United States gather in Atlanta, Georgia, for the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC)—a premier event showcasing America’s future skilled workforce. |
Among the standout delegations at this prestigious event was SkillsUSA Montana, whose students achieved extraordinary results on the national stage.
SkillsUSA’s National Conference is the largest gathering of America’s career and technical education students.
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Over 100 different trade, technical, and leadership contests—from Power Equipment Technology to Medical Math, T-Shirt Design to Opening and Closing Ceremonies, allow students to demonstrate their skills in real-world scenarios evaluated by industry professionals. It is a celebration of craftsmanship, professionalism, and leadership.
Montana sent a team of 53 outstanding competitors, participating in 34 diverse contests, and their performance was nothing short of spectacular.
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Forty-five percent of Montana students placed in the top ten, and 32 percent earned a top 20 national ranking—an exceptional accomplishment given the national scale and competitiveness of the event.
Montana’s students brought home a total of 11 national medals:
GOLD MEDALS:
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Nicholas McQueeney, MSU-Gallatin College – Post-Secondary Firefighting
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Darby Middle School Promotional Bulletin Board Team – Paityn Pelkey, Stella Smith, and Macey Strayer
SILVER MEDALS:
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Sterling Shelton, MSU-Northern, Havre – Post-Secondary Automotive Service Technology
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Charles Maus, Sentinel High School, Missoula – High School Technical Computer Applications
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Alberton Middle School Urban Search & Rescue Robotics Team – Mahlon Manson and Varuna Peeblson
BRONZE MEDALS:
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Plains Middle School Engineering Challenge Team – Clinton Weedeman, Gary Rehbein, and Bryan Lakko
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These achievements are particularly historic for Montana, as this marked the first time the state sent middle school teams to nationals in these categories. Their exceptional performances demonstrated that they not only belonged on the national stage—but were leaders in their respective fields.
In addition to medals, Montana students earned 29 Skill Point Certificates, awarded to competitors who meet or exceed national industry-defined standards in their contest areas. These certificates are a recognized symbol of technical excellence and are endorsed by leading companies.
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In addition to medals, Montana students earned 29 Skill Point Certificates, awarded to competitors who meet or exceed national industry-defined standards in their contest areas. These certificates are a recognized symbol of technical excellence and are endorsed by leading companies.
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Each certificate outlines the specific competencies achieved and can be added to the student’s employment portfolio—a testament to their proficiency and professionalism.
To view the complete list of Skill Point Certificate recipients, please visit the SkillsUSA Montana Facebook or Instagram page.
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This year's showing continues to raise the bar for Montana's career and technical education community. With growing statewide recognition and support, SkillsUSA Montana is helping students turn their skills into careers and their passions into professions.
Interested in starting a SkillsUSA chapter in your school or learning more about the organization? Visit SkillsUSA Montana Website [sites.google.com] for more information.
Congratulations to all our Montana competitors! Your dedication, skill, and professionalism make our state proud. Keep excelling in all you do!
 About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades. It’s a student-led partnership of education and industry that’s building the skilled workforce our nation depends on with graduates who are career ready, day one. Representing over 420,000 career and technical education students and teachers, SkillsUSA chapters thrive in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide.
The Office of Public Instruction’s Career, Technical, & Adult Education unit invites all new Montana Career & Technical Education (CTE) professionals to participate in a FREE hybrid professional learning experience. Who benefits from the New CTE Professionals Hybrid Workshop?
- New to the CTE classroom or with five years or less of experience in Montana.
- Local administrators, counselors, and CTE or WBL coordinators
- Individuals who have participated in the past are also invited to participate again.
What are the benefits of attending the workshops?
- Discover leadership and professional growth opportunities
- The fundamentals of Career & Technical Education, federal and state funding programs, professional organizations, curriculum resources, program standards and guidelines,
- Marketing and advising Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs),
- Advanced learning opportunities for CTE students through dual enrollment and work-based learning.
Registration coming soon here!
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Congrats to our Skill Demonstration Winners: Congratulations to our Challenge Winners at NLC!
The 2025 FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) took place in Orlando, FL, from July 5-9, drawing more than 10,000 students, educators, and guests from across the nation.
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This gathering provided a valuable platform for attendees to expand their leadership skills, sharpen their talents, explore career pathways, and hear from inspiring speakers.
Montana FCCLA was well represented, with 157 members, advisers, and guests in attendance. Competitive event opportunities this year included Skill Demonstration Events, Challenge Tests, and Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Event competitions, with 101 Montana students competing in various events. |
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Over 5,000 FCCLA members competed in these events, where they were recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. Students develop real-world skills and gain valuable insights in participating in this programming at the state and national level.
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STAR Events support student development by enhancing their classroom experience in their Family and Consumer Sciences classroom and guiding them toward successful career pathways. With more than 30 events to choose from, participants had the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities by actively addressing essential issues concerning families, careers, or communities. |
By researching the topic and implementing projects to advocate for positive change, students acquired valuable skills and industry insights needed to thrive in the 21st century. Montana competitive event results included three first place awards, five second place awards, three third place awards, 34 gold medals, 51 silver medals, and 7 bronze medals, with 16% of our STAR Events entries placing in the top ten for their events.
Earning the title of national winners were Isemaella Vincent, Fergus, in the Culinary Math Challenge, Leah Kruckenberg and Alivia Logan, Jefferson, in Digital Stories for Change, and Annabelle Ewan, Three Forks, in Knife Skills, Second place winners included Aiden Kramer, Ennis FCCLA, in Math for Financial Literacy Challenge, Peter Kelley, Ennis FCCLA, in Hospitality Services Challenge, |
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Jordan Paul, Jackson Robertus, and Kaeden Oberlander, Plevna, in Entrepreneurship, Harper Icopini, Forsyth, in Interpersonal Communications, and Azaria Beley-Davis and Reese Cooney, Harlowton, in Sports Nutrition.
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Third place finishers included Isemaella Vincent, Fergus FCCLA, in Impromptu Speaking, Quin McGee, Red Lodge, in Interviewing Skills, and Amber Rolfe and Ella Rolfe, in Food Innovations.
Advisers were also recognized for their accomplishments. Kacie Perkins, Powell County FCCLA received the Spirit of Advising award for Montana, and Renique Burke, Dawson County, was recognized for completing the Adviser Academy, 2.0.
Congratulations to all for representing Montana FCCLA in such a positive and professional manner!
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Attendees experienced dynamic workshops and engaging speakers while at the conference, and also enjoyed exploring the Orlando area, including a quick trip to Daytona Beach. The 2026 National Leadership Conference is planned for Washington, D.C., in July.
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Robert Finnegan, Education Workforce Director for the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) recently presented at the 2025 American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) about the expanding textile workforce in the US and how states can help meet this need through Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs. |
AFFOA is rekindling the domestic textile industry by leading a nationwide enterprise for advancing fiber and fabric development, including manufacturing. Historically, the reason the US has a manufacturing industry is due to textiles. And even though there is a public belief there are no textile jobs, there are thousands still here ranging from design and product development to brand development and manufacturing. Textile manufacturing alone has an annual export value of over $8.6 billion.
Finnegan shared FCS programs at the secondary and post-secondary levels have a vital role to play in meeting the workforce needs across the nation by teaching foundational skills, but also through introducing students to the field of textile manufacturing in career awareness units. A trend in occupational hiring is developing as existing and new manufacturing opportunities develop, many which are not being reflected within current Department of Labor statistics or projections…yet. To read more about the FCS role here.
Gayla Randel, State of Montana OPI Family and Consumer Sciences Specialist met Robert when she reached out after first reading about this emerging trend a few years ago to learn more. This information is being used to expand the Fashion, Apparel and Textiles pathways in Montana. In the recent past, a group of Montana FCS teachers piloted a secondary level curriculum for AFFOA and offered suggestions for improvement; these are being reviewed for adoption.
Montana’s role in wool production is renowned, but we are also part of the AFFOA identified Mountain region with over 1400 textile manufacturing related entities. This means our students can expect hiring opportunities within textiles manufacturing as this trend fully develops. Having students select textile manufacturing as their occupational choice can also bring manufacturing opportunities to the state.
AFFOA, created through the Manufacturing USA research network, has connections to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and speaks on behalf of their members including 72 manufacturing entities, 16 industry members, 26 startup incubators and 32 universities. Read more about AFFOA here.
Selected as one of eight states to participate in the Early Adopter Cohort OPI will be working with OCHE and other partners to review our Career Clusters and Montana Career Pathways. Click the image to find out more.
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ITE Educators from across Montana participated in the ITE Summer Update conference in Bozeman, focused on Industrial Technology Education pathways. The conference offered hands-on learning, tours, and sessions designed to enhance teaching practices and integrate real-world industry applications into the classroom. |
Key activities and learning opportunities for educators included:
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Engaging in Active Learning Labs: This workshop, led by Industry Inc. and ActiveLearning Labs, focused on interactive teaching for financial literacy specifically tailored for Industrial Technology Education. Participants explored financial practices using Career and Technical Education (CTE) applications like industry production, manufacturing, concrete, and paint.
Bench Building Basics: Presented by Tom Kain, this workshop covered best practices for constructing woods projects, effective classroom management techniques, and valuable resources for educators.
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Architectural Bridges and Design Engineering Marvels: Presented by Jesse Gray, this session provided resources for teaching architecture, design, and problem-solving effectively within a CTE classroom environment.
Industry Tours: Bridging the Classroom with Real-World Innovation
A highlight of the conference, these immersive industry tours offered educators invaluable opportunities to step outside the classroom and directly observe real-world operations, fostering a deeper connection between academic learning and professional settings.
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These experiences provided tangible insights into the cutting-edge technologies, practices, and demands of various fields, allowing educators to see firsthand the application of the skills they teach. This direct exposure is crucial for enriching curricula, updating instructional methods, and ultimately preparing students more effectively for the workforce by showcasing diverse career pathways and industry standards.
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RDO Equipment Co.: Educators toured this leading John Deere and Vermeer equipment dealer. During the visit, educators had the chance to operate heavy equipment, explore the facility, and ask questions specifically about RDO's construction equipment shop. This tour was provided by RDO staff and offered a great look into construction needs in the Gallatin valley.
Founded in 1968, RDO Equipment Co. boasts over 75 locations in the United States and global partnerships, providing top-notch machinery solutions for agriculture, construction, and more.
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Williams Construction and Plumbing: Immersive Learning and Modern Construction Insights
Williams Construction and Plumbing engaged educators in a dynamic experience designed to deepen their understanding of contemporary trades. They participated in a hands-on plumbing seminar, allowing them to directly engage with tools and techniques central to modern plumbing practices. The tour also encompassed both the educational facilities, showcasing how the next generation of skilled tradespeople are trained, and the fabrication facilities, where participants observed large-scale construction components being manufactured.
A unique aspect of this visit was the opportunity for educators to gain practical experience with construction using machine simulators, providing a safe yet realistic environment to understand heavy equipment operation.
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This comprehensive exposure offered invaluable insights into the full scope of a modern construction and plumbing operation.
Since 1979, Williams has offered a comprehensive line of quality plumbing, civil construction, HVAC, green energy, engineering, fabrication, and service solutions for various building projects.
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Gibson Guitar Co.: Educators toured the premier acoustic factory of Gibson Guitar Co. in Bozeman. This comprehensive tour allowed participants to witness a guitar being made from start to finish. Gibson, an iconic, handcrafted, American-made guitar brand founded in 1894, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians for over 128 years. Headquartered in Nashville, Gibson continues a legacy of world-class artisanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product innovations, prioritizing its Bozeman acoustic facility and skilled artisans.
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The conference provided valuable opportunities for educators to update their skills, learn new teaching strategies, and connect with industry practices to enrich their Industrial Technology Education programs. ITE Summer update provided an environment for professional collaboration and networking, offering a dynamic and engaging setting for learning. |
Continuous learning is vital for professionals to stay current with evolving industry standards, adopt innovative teaching methods, and ultimately prepare students more effectively for future careers.
Mark your Calendars and get ready to spark new ideas and connect with fellow innovators! We warmly invite all interested ITE educators to join us for the ITE Summer Update June 2026 in Bozeman, MT(dates to be determined).
The CTE Specialists have been assigned regionally to schools. The regions are Eastern, Northcentral, Northwest, Southcentral, and Southwest. These assignments will be used to review the 2025- 2026 Perkins Grant application and any remaining 2024-2025 amendments.
If you have any questions or need assistance, our team of specialists is available to support you. Map Key can be found here.
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Below you can find information related to CTE Funding, Montana Career Pathways, Carl Perkins Grant and Data, State CTE Data, Work Based Learning and related topics. If you would like all of this information in one document you can reference that here. |
The information is also split into three different resources for more specific guidance. The linked documents are broken into three different categories; CTE Funding Guidance, CTE Montana Career Pathways, Montana Work Based Learning.
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 Education Specialist
Ethan Igo, 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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