HELENA-The Montana Department of Labor & Industry on Tuesday recognized high school students for their pursuit of academic excellence and leadership development at the Jobs for Montana’s Graduates (JMG) annual LEAD Montana Conference.
“The LEAD Montana Conference is about equipping emerging leaders with the skills needed to impact their schools and communities Erica Swanson, state director of JMG said. The outcomes that Jobs for Montana’s Graduates has on the youth in our state is remarkable and is due to the support from educators, parents, and businesses. Over 20,000 students have been served over the span of 30 years. 95% that participate in the model graduate high school, 92% seek full time employment and 51% post-secondary.”
JMG, a Department of Labor & Industry program dedicated to teaching students the skills they need for college and career readiness, hosts the conference each year to provide an opportunity for students to meet with public and private business leaders and expand their leadership skills. Each year the LEAD Montana Conference brings hundreds of students from schools across Montana together to participate in training sessions and engage with fellow students. Students then bring the guidance and instruction they learned home with them to share with their local JMG chapter and school.
This year’s winners of the logo contest were Whitehall High School, Hot Springs High School and Paris Gibson Education Center & Whitehall Middle School. This year’s winners of the essay contest were: Max Macino from Culbertson High School, Jack McAllister from Hot Springs High School, Kaylee Stremcha from Paris Gibson Education Center, and Gracie Hickman from Whitefish Independent High School.
JMG received its 16th “5-of-5” award in September. The “5-of-5” award is the highest recognition, honoring states who achieve or surpass a 90 percent graduation rate, 80 percent positive outcomes rate, 60 percent employment rate, 60 percent full-time jobs rate, and an 80 percent full-time placement rate. Montana high schools that reached all “5-of-5” standards were recognized at the event. The program continues to exceed goals in serving Montana students who face barriers to graduation. Outstanding career specialists were also awarded for their commitment to helping Montana students achieve their career goals.
Governor Greg Gianforte and JMG alumna Madison Glass from Helena High School also spoke at the event.
More information on Jobs for Montana Graduates can be found here.
