Montana Expands Jobs for Montana’s Graduates Program to Colleges Across the State
DLI offers start-up funding to add post-secondary programs as a part of 406 JOBS
Helena, Mont. – Jobs for Montana’s Graduates (JMG), a Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) program, is expanding to include partnerships with colleges and education organizations statewide, opening more doors for students to build skills, earn credentials, and connect with Montana careers. Traditionally offered in high school classrooms around the state, this JMG expansion advances the 406 JOBS initiative by providing more students with career-readiness support, workforce skills, and connections to Montana employers.
“Montana’s colleges are essential partners in preparing students for meaningful careers and helping employers find the talent they need,” said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of Labor and Industry. “Expanding JMG into these settings gives more students access to the skills, support, and professional connections that can help them succeed in Montana’s workforce.”
DLI is partnering with the following programs to incorporate JMG instruction into existing programs:
- Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC)
- Missoula College
- Miles Community College
- Dawson Community College
- The Montana Media Lab at the University of Montana School of Journalism
- College and Career Readiness Center at Great Falls College
Photo courtesy of FVCC.
Students in the JMG program will develop practical workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, professionalism, resume writing, interviewing, and career planning. Jobs for America’s Graduates focuses on helping students develop the skills, confidence, and experience needed for employment and continued education.
Funding is available to help additional colleges, school districts, education organizations, and community partners launch JMG programs across Montana. Grants range from $3,500 to $10,000 based on program size and local needs.
The college partnerships bring JMG’s student-centered model to more settings where students can receive individualized career planning, job-readiness instruction, leadership development, and support as they prepare to enter Montana’s workforce.
“JMG's core competencies have been used to help our adult education students bridge the gap between earning their high school equivalency and having long-lasting employability skills necessary for success in the workforce,” said Holly Snell, Director of Student Success and Retention. “With JMG's support, we are able to help our students see beyond the hard work that earning the high school equivalency diploma requires, and picture a future that is possible to them once they achieve that goal, whether that is training, certifications, or college courses.”
Photo courtesy of FVCC.
The expansion also creates opportunities for participating college students to earn the nationally recognized JAG Workforce Readiness Credential, which recognizes the career-ready skills developed through JMG, including communication, teamwork, professionalism, and problem solving.
For high school students, the Workforce Readiness Credential is included in Montana’s Credential Registry under the STARS Act (House Bill 252), allowing schools to receive Future Ready payments for each high school student who completes the credential.
Schools, colleges, and education partners interested in launching or expanding a JMG program in either high school or college settings can learn more at Jobs for Montana Graduates or contact Public Relations Specialist, Victoria Olson at victoria.olson@mt.gov or 406-444-2751 with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
Public Information Officer
Montana Department of Labor and Industry
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