Big Sky Times

Students throughout Montana will gather at the University of Providence’s University Center Ballroom in Great Falls from June 11 to 13 to participate in the Reach Higher Montana Summit for Youth in Foster Care.

Hosted by the nonprofit Reach Higher Montana and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), the free summit provides an opportunity for youth in foster care to prepare for life after high school—whether that includes being on track to graduate from high school, preparing for postsecondary education, or securing employment.

“We are thrilled to welcome nearly 40 youth to this year’s summit,” said Steven Coop, Reach Higher Montana Program Manager. “We are excited to meet these students, understand their aspirations, and connect them with the resources they need to achieve their future goals.”

During the Summit, students will not only participate in various workshops and sessions but also get a taste of college life. They will stay in dorms, dine in the cafeteria, and experience the atmosphere of the University of Providence.

In addition, students will participate in an interactive Career Fair featuring several local businesses. Representatives will provide an overview of their business and career opportunities.

“This is a fun way for youth to connect to businesses and learn more about what career opportunities might meet their interests,” Coop said. “The Career Fair has been successful in the past in helping with job interviews and landing employment.”

Participants will also learn how to search and apply for scholarships and Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs) that provide up to $5,000 per year for education-related expenses. Essential career and life skills such as finding and maintaining employment, building relationships, locating community resources, and managing money will also be covered.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Montana youth to gain valuable experience while learning about potential academic and employment opportunities as they begin the next chapter of their lives,” said Nikki Grossberg, Child and Family Services Division administrator for DPHHS.

Every student who participates will receive a laptop computer or a life skills package containing tools and resources to help them prepare for life after high school.

This year marks the 19th year that youth in foster care have had the opportunity to attend the summit.

For more information or to schedule a media interview, contact Steven Coop at (406) 880-1145 or scoop@ReachHigherMontana.org.

About Reach Higher Montana

Reach Higher Montana is a division of the Montana Higher Education Student Assistance Corporation (MHESAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Montana corporation. For more information, visit www.ReachHigherMontana.org. The mission of Reach Higher Montana is to help students strategically pursue educational opportunities.

About the Montana Chafee Foster Care Independent Program

The Montana Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (MCFCIP) is part of the DPHHS Child and Family Services Division. Youth in foster care face unique challenges as they turn eighteen and leave the foster care system. The services offered by MCFCIP are intended to help these youths acquire life skills necessary for transitioning into adulthood successfully. By assisting them in achieving self-sufficiency and obtaining future goals, MCFCIP enables foster youth to create healthy lifestyles and successful futures. For more information, go to Foster Care Independence (mt.gov).

Foster Care Education and Training Voucher

Eligible Montana foster care youth can receive up to $5,000 a year through the Foster Care Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program. Learn more at Youth in Foster Care | Reach Higher Montana.

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