Jobs for Montana’s Graduates Honored at National 2026 EDGE Conference
- — August 04 2026
HELENA, Mont. -The Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) is proud to recognize four Jobs for Montana’s Graduates (JMG) specialists who recently earned national recognition for their work with Montana students. Their awards were presented at the 2026 Jobs for America’s Graduates EDGE conference in Long Beach, California, which brings together educators and workforce development leaders focused on helping young people move from education to employment.
“These four specialists reflect the very best of Montana’s commitment to helping students build skills, confidence, and a path to success,” said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of Labor and Industry. “Their work is making a real difference for young people, their communities, and Montana’s future workforce.”
The Montana educators were honored for excellence in classroom practice, program leadership, and student impact:
- Kurrie Small, Lodge Grass Schools - JAG Advantage Implementor Award, recognizing strong and consistent delivery of the JAG Advantage model.
- Shannon Miller, Centerville Schools - JAG Advantage Implementor Award, recognizing strong and consistent implementation of the JAG Advantage model.
- Phil McLendon, Frenchtown Schools - Data & Integrity Excellence Award, recognizing accuracy, diligence, and integrity in tracking and reporting student outcomes.
- Connie Wittak, Poplar Middle School - JAG Cornerstone Award, recognizing long-standing commitment to building and sustaining a strong JAG program.
JMG Director Heather Merritt also received the JAG Innovator Award, recognizing leadership and innovation in strengthening JAG programming through new technology, creative engagement strategies, and future-focused program development.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Connie, Phil, Shannon, and Kurrie,” Merritt said. “The way they show up for students day in and day out keeps young people engaged in school and focused on their goals, which is exactly what JMG is all about.”
Jobs for Montana’s Graduates supports students as they prepare for careers, continue their education, and enter the workforce after graduation. The program is part of the broader Jobs for America’s Graduates network, which brings together affiliates from across the country through EDGE, its national education-to-employment conference.
JMG’s growth also furthers Governor Gianforte’s 406 JOBS Initiative, which focuses on expanding work-based learning, career pathways, and industry-recognized credentials that keep more Montana students on track for in-demand careers close to home. The newly established Workforce Readiness Credential available to JMG students will be included in Montana’s statewide credential registry under the STARS Act, helping translate student achievement into recognized workforce value and supporting Future Ready payments for participating schools.
DLI is actively seeking partnerships with new high schools, tribal colleges, and two-year colleges to expand access to JMG. To learn more about the program, visit Jobs for Montana Graduates.
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Public Information Officer
Montana Department of Labor and Industry