Helena, Mont.- Commissioner Sarah Swanson of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (MTDLI) announced today a groundbreaking partnership with Missoula College, making it the first two-year college in the state to host an on-campus Jobs for Montana Graduates (JMG) chapter. This collaboration expands postsecondary options for JMG students and strengthens the pipeline from high school to career.
“Our goal is to establish a JMG chapter in every Montana middle and high school because we know this program works,” said Commissioner Sarah Swanson. “JMG gives students the skills they need to get a job, keep a job, and quit a job the right way. By focusing on soft skill development, Montana JMG students are better prepared to enter the workforce with confidence and professionalism.”
By bringing JMG to Missoula College, more than 1,600 middle and high school students statewide will now have a two-year campus where they can continue their education with the familiar support of a JMG chapter. This initiative builds on the success of JMG in 69 Montana middle and high schools, one tribal college (Fort Peck Community College), and a fully virtual chapter through Montana Digital Academy, which provides access for rural and homeschool students.
JMG is the state affiliate of the national Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program, which equips students with the skills they need to secure, retain, and transition between jobs successfully. The curriculum focuses on 37 core workforce competencies, helping students develop the tools needed to thrive in today’s job market.
“We are excited to bring Jobs for Montana's Graduates to Missoula College,” said Tom Gallagher, Dean of Missoula College. “This program provides students with critical career skills while reinforcing our Guided Pathways approach to dual enrollment.”
Currently, approximately 90 students across Missoula area high schools are enrolled in the pilot program. With its early success, MTDLI plans to expand additional partnerships with Two-Year & Tribal colleges across Montana, offering even more students access to career-focused education and training.
Governor Greg Gianforte challenged MTDLI to establish 100 new JMG chapters in Montana middle and high schools in the 2025-26 school year. Schools interested in launching a JMG program can learn more by visiting the Jobs for Montana Graduates website.
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement, signed by Commissioner Sarah Swanson and Dean Tom Gallagher. Classes at Missoula College are already underway, marking the beginning of this transformative collaboration.
