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25th of Each Month- Deadline to submit cash requests for processing and payment on the 10th of each month.
June 1- Last day to submit an amendment for Perkins Grant.
June 10- deadline for the last June payment. If your district has not completed a Cash Request, it MUST be in by this date.
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June 20- CTE End of Year Data Collection is DUE in Infinite Campus.
- This is a Federal Reporting Requirement for all Federal Grants, failure to complete this report correctly will result in loss of eligibility to receive Perkins funding.
- Completing this report late, will result in inaccurate reporting from Montana and will elevate the districts Risk Assessment.
June 30- the last day to encumber spending for Perkins FY 26 funding
June 30- DUE Date for Perkins 2027 Application
August 10- Perkins 2026 Final Expenditure Reports are due. If you are late submitting your FER- it will result in keeping the entire state from receiving final allocations.
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We have scheduled several dates to provide focused technical assistance for transitioning to the new Montana Career Pathways, CTE Date and Perkins Applications Support. The following dates and times will be available for districts to get targeted CTE support, from 10 am - 2:00 pm. As always if you need additional support please reach out to anyone on our team and we can set up another time. |
CTE Pathways & WBL Technical Support
- Wednesday, March 18th
- Wednesday, March 25th
- Monday, March 30th
- Monday, April 6th
- Wednesday, April 15th
- Tuesday, April 21st
- Wednesday, April 29th
Perkins and Data Collection Focused Technical Support
- Wednesday, May 6th
- Wednesday, May 13th
- Wednesday, May 20th
- Wednesday, May 27th
- Wednesday, June 3rd
- Wednesday, June 10th
- Wednesday, June 17th
- Wednesday, June 24th
- Tuesday, June 30th - Perkins Apps Due
Topic: CTAE Technical Assistance
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91271668254?pwd=4ryRN6Gj5oiOv34k10Pw224HsZBDki.1
Meeting ID: 912 7166 8254
Passcode: 046242
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A few notes to help in this completing the CLNA process:
Please review past CLNA information to help inform this year's process. You can access your previous CLNAs in EGrants.
Use advisory committee meeting notes from the past year, use information you can easily find online (like the MT Labor Market Information site), use emails, conversations, and other meetings you have been to over the past year.
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Montana Regional CLNA Guide
Resource Document - Helpful Links - Regional Meetings
The Perkins grant itself will have some different CLNA Summary questions. We have pulled those out so that you can prepare answers for those questions as you work through finishing your CLNA packet. Perkins Grant FY 27 Summary Questions.
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The 2026 Montana BPA State Leadership Conference was held in Billings on March 8-10. One thousand two hundred and seventy-nine (1,279) students and local chapter advisors from the middle level and secondary level attended in a spirit of friendship and goodwill. BPA Montana Association assisted the members through participation in the areas of competitive events, leadership, community development, and professionalism. |
Students from 103 Montana schools demonstrated their knowledge in business and technological skills and abilities in 93 different competitive events from within the five core assessment areas of Finance, Business Administration, Management Information Systems, Digital Communication & Design, Management, Marketing & Communication and Health Administration.
Students from 103 Montana schools demonstrated their knowledge in business and technological skills and abilities in 93 different competitive events from within the five core assessment areas of Finance, Business Administration, Management Information Systems, Digital Communication & Design, Management, Marketing & Communication and Health Administration. |
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Montana BPA was pleased to donate $9273.00 to the Special Olympics Montana as their state-wide philanthropic organization. Westby High School, Hellgate High School and St. Regis High School were recognized for their generous donations. BPA Montana also held a Special Olympics Event during the conference as an additional fundraising event.
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In non-event awards, Montana BPA awarded Silver Star Awards for Chapter Development to the C. M. Russell, Flathead High School, Garfield County District High School, Hellgate High School, Hobson High School, Lima High School, Lima Middle School , Park High School, Shelby High School, Shields Valley High School, Simms High School, Skyview High School and St. Regis High School. . Lima High School was recognized with the Spirit of Professionalism Award for all their outstanding contributions to BPA this year. |
Reece Taylor from Conrad High School was recognized as the MT BPA Student of the Year, Monica Tomayer of Conrad was recognized as the Advisor of the Year, Andrea Blouin of Missoula Sentinel was recognized as the Emerging Advisor of the Year and Jacquie Bymaster and Beth Huguet were inducted into the Montana BPA Hall of Fame.
Community members and Montana businesses also played a tremendous role in the success of the state conference by serving as judges for the competitive events and presenters of workshops and the business and industry panel. Students also attended the career and education fair and BPA members also participated in our first marketplace. In addition, Montana BPA has received more than $25,000.00 in financial support and/or in-kind support Montana business and education institutions as part of the corporate sponsor and education partnership program. |
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Community members and Montana businesses also played a tremendous role in the success of the state conference by serving as judges for the competitive events and presenters of workshops and the business and industry panel. Students also attended the career and education fair and BPA members also participated in our first marketplace. In addition, Montana BPA has received more than $25,000.00 in financial support and/or in-kind support Montana business and education institutions as part of the corporate sponsor and education partnership program.
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Each year BPA Montana asks interested chapter members to submit a graphic design for consideration and vote by the state officer team to be used as our state conference logo, trading pin and T-shirt design . The winner not only receives recognition at the conference, but is also given a monetary award as a ‘thank you’ for their creativity. |
This year was a first for Montana BPA. The winner of all three design contests was winner of the Conference Logo Design is Ella Fryberger from Simms High School. Montana BPA also presented scholarships to these graduating seniors Alicia Hunt of Shields Valley h was award the Montana Business Education Association Scholarship. Sam Flynn from Capital High School, Gage Horn of Superior High School, Shoei Davis from Fergus High School, Christian McGuire of Broadview High School, Shayne Taylor from Shields Valley High School and Comonic Calderon from Columbus High School were all recipients of scholarships sponsored by Montana BPA’s friend, Barbara Byrne.
The following members were celebrated for being approved for the Statesman Torch Award: Bainville High School: Isabelle Anderson, Coramay Theige, Rowan Wilson; Beaverhead HS: Savannah Nelson; Broadview High School: Luke Bunting, Reese Conover, Emma Heiken, Ty Lippert, Kellan O'Neill; C. M. Russell High School: Eli Crist; Capital High, Sam Flynn; Circle High: |
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Saylor Hanson, Aubrey Moos, Kieryn Stanley; Conrad High School: Kaily Baney, Reece Taylor; Cut Bank High School: Abbie Rooney; Fergus High School: Samantha Jimenez, Miriam Pavlovick, Mylee Ruckman, Haylee Williams; Froid Public School: Haven Martensen, Leah Murray; Garfield County District High School: Rachael Murnion, Brody Twitchell; Glasgow High School: Amelia Gilchrist; Great Falls High School: Benjamin Palmer; Hellgate High School: Jasper Alviar, Petra Serban; Lambert Public School: Jacqueline Barnhart, Addison Foss; Lavina Public School: Garrett Contway, Ava Mallo, Valentina Sanguins, Lima High School:
Kiersten Bernard, Rayne Kindberg; Park High School Chapter: Anna Lende; Ronan High School: Loren Olson;
Sentinel: Charles Maus; Skyview High School: Colton Baum, Zaine Fettig, Keldon Lovell, Nathan Moore, Kenna Pfeifle, Kylie Prill and Superior High School: Gage Horn.
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BPA students were recognized as Member Recruiter Recipients 2026 for their efforts in recruiting new members: Amelia Krakowka, Anaconda, Sadie Williams, Anaconda, Fallon Freeman, Anaconda, Kaitly Freeman, Anaconda, Bridger Wesely, Glasgow, Rowen Kloker, Glasgow, Kyler Whitman, Glasgow, Garrett Thompson, Glasgow, |
Guinevere Abern, Glasgow, Amelia Gilchrist, Glasgow, Tessa Stutheit, Glasgow, Zach Baldwin, Hellgate, Petra Serban, Hellgate, Davis Bodmar, Hellgate, Valentina Sanguins, Lavina, Ava Mallo, Lavina, Emily Mihet, Lavina, Ava Stentoft, Scobey, Chloe Handran, Scobey, Mckenna Nieskens, Scobey, Kenna Pfeiflie, Skyview Montana Membership Explosion award was given to East Helena High School for a 125% membership increase
BPA Montana offered an opportunity for members to serve as interns during the state conference. The following students served as interns: Adam Shelton, Anaconda, Kylie Clark, Anaconda, Juliana Focken, Anaconda, Cameron Hempstead, Anaconda, Evan Anderson, Bainville, Soren Batt, Bainville, Bella Stein, Bainville, Jade Widner, Billings Senior, Remmi Gliko, Billings Senior, Ava Grove, Hobson, Brynn Hodik, Hobson, Audrea Polzin, Hobson, Austin Mauws, Hobson, Chance Obert, Hobson, RomiJo Fend, Hobson, Hunter Wichman, Hobson, Brianne Nachtigal, Hobson |
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Hunter Guy, Hobson, Brooklyn Hageman, CMR, Dakota Anderson, Lambert, Finn Duffy, Noxon, Lilly Bell, Park High, Georgia Burns, Park High, Kiyla Hopper, Park High, Tyler Schad, Park High, Ellie Slatter, Park High, Winston Smith, Park High, Dawson Wood, Park High; Daeden Oberlander, Plevna, Corbin Buerkle, Plevna, Levi Boyd, Seeley Swan, Caleb Lunde, Simms, Kenji Robinson, Simms, Brydgette Lynn, Stanford, Callie Depree, Stanford, Danielle Antonich, Stanford Middle, Estevan Rubion, Westby, Eric Peterson, Westby
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During the state conference the following members were elected to office for the 2026-2027 school year:
· President: Justin Aye, Powder River District High School
· Vice President: Kieran Alviar, Hellgate High School
· Secretary: Jasper Alviar, Hellgate High School
· Membership Director: Rachel Murnion, Garfield County District High School
· Public Relations Director: Kaely Baney, Conrad High School
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· Communications Director: Annie Baliko, Conrad High School
BPA Montana students will now have the opportunity to travel to Nashville Tennessee to compete in the 2026 BPA National Leadership Conference which will be held May 6-10. Business Professionals of America is the leading CTSO (Career Technical Student Organization) for students pursuing careers in business management, finance, office administration, information technology, health administration and other related career fields.
Our Construction Trades Award application is live! Last year we gave away $60,000 in awards across Montana! This year, we will award a total of $60,000 in grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, based on each project’s needs and its impact on promoting trades awareness among students.
Please share with any teachers, schools, or programs in Montana that would be able to promote the trades with this award.
Examples of past award winners:
- Welding projects/ Certifications
- Outdoor kitchen build
- Basketball court project
- Community enhancement projects
- Tools or building materials for classroom projects
- Concrete pathways
- Field trips to MCA Member jobsite/facility tours
Apply here: MCA Construction Trades Awareness Award [montanaagc.wufoo.com]
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The deadline for this award is Friday, April 24th.
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SkillsUSA Montana is proud to host our 55th Annual State Leadership & Skills Conference on April 7–10, 2026, at the Montana ExpoPark – Pacific Steel Recycling Arena in Great Falls, MT. |
This premier event brings together students, educators, and industry partners to celebrate excellence in career and technical education and prepare students for future workforce success.
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We are currently seeking volunteer judges and conference support staff to help make this event a success.
Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring competitions run smoothly and that students have a meaningful, professional experience.
In addition to volunteer opportunities, we are also offering:
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Vendor Table Registration for organizations interested in showcasing their programs, services, and career pathways
VIP Tours for administrators, industry leaders, and community partners who would like an inside look at student competitions and conference activities
All contest volunteer sign-ups, vendor table reservations, and VIP tour registrations are available through the same Volunteer Hub link.
👉 Please click the link below to explore all available opportunities and get involved.
Your time, energy, and commitment directly impact student success and help shape Montana’s future workforce.
Thank you for supporting SkillsUSA Montana. We look forward to seeing you in April as we celebrate student achievement and career-ready decision-making.
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Date: June 15th -17th
Location: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
Theme: Learning Through Engineering & Photonics
Registration Cost: $125.00
Registration Fee Waived: 1st-3rd year teachers
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Join us for this year’s Industrial Technology Education (ITE) Summer Update Conference. June 15th -17th.
This three-day professional learning event will bring together Montana educators to explore Industrial Technology Education topics and the rapidly growing field of photonics the science and technology of light and discover practical ways to integrate it into CTE classrooms.
Participants will engage in:
- Hands-on sessions featuring coding and drone-flying activities
- Safety and Liability for CTE Classrooms
- Industrial Technology Education workshops and trainings in various pathway topics (Manufacturing, Engineering, Skilled Trades)
- Panel discussions with drone and photonics industry professionals
- A photonics lab tour in Bozeman
- Interactive workshops on designing engaging assessments and learning experiences
- Updates on ITE & CTE initiatives across Montana
Educators attending the 3 day training will receive OPI renewal units and with a potential for a stipend.
Mark your calendars and plan to join us for an energizing and innovative week of learning, connection, and hands-on exploration!
More Information Soon:
- Housing Block Rates- There is a potential to get spaces in the dorms for a cheaper price. We are working to see if that is an option for our conference.
- Grad Credits - We hope to offer grad credit options for the conference. We are working to get that set up with MSU.
- Agenda - We will be getting a tentative agenda with specific workshop information out for educators by March.
- Stipend - Our Presenter for the photonics portion of the conferences is working out how the stipend for attendees is going to work and details on how to qualify.
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 below.
 Map Key
Shannon Boswell (Purple) - Career Technical and Adult Education Director
Gayla Randel- South West (Orange) -Family and Consumer Sciences Specialist
Eric Tilleman - North Central (Green) - Agricultural Education Specialist
Tammie Ellington - South Central (Gray) - Health Science Specialist
Kaitlin Trutzel - North West (Blue) - Industrial Technology Education Specialist
Ethan Igo - Eastern (Magenta) - Business Education Specialist
Montana Colleges & Universities (Gold Stars)
For questions, please contact:
OPI CTE Unit General Questions
Shannon Boswell, Career Technical and Adult Education Director
Eric Tilleman, Agriculture Education Specialist
Tammie Ellington, Health Sciences Education Specialist
Kaitlin Trutzel, Industrial Technology Education Specialist
Ethan Igo, Business Education Specialist
Gayla Randel, Family & Consumer Sciences Education Specialist
Katie Madsen, Adult Education Director/ High School Equivalency Administrator
Emily Fuller, Adult Education Program 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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