Southwest Montana News

Students from across Montana will gather at Montana State University-Billings from June 13-15 for the Reach Higher Montana Summit for Youth in Foster Care. The event, held at the Student Union Building, is hosted by Reach Higher Montana and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). This free summit aims to help youth in foster care prepare for life after high school, whether that means graduating, pursuing further education, or securing employment.

Steven Coop, Reach Higher Montana Program Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the event: “We are excited to have nearly 30 youth attending this year’s summit.” He added that both in-person and virtual attendees would be connected with resources to help them achieve their future goals.

Participants will stay in dorms and eat in the cafeteria, experiencing college life firsthand. They will also take part in an interactive Career Fair featuring local businesses. According to Coop, “This is a fun way for youth to be connected to businesses and learn more about what career opportunities might exist that meet their interests.”

The summit includes sessions on finding scholarships, applying for Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs) worth up to $5,000 annually for education expenses, job searching skills, relationship building, community resource location, and financial management.

DPHHS Director Adam Meier stated: “We are here to support Montana youth as they begin to make important decisions about the next chapter in their lives.” Every participant will receive a laptop or a life skills package to assist with post-high school preparations.

This marks the 17th year of the summit's existence. For more information or media inquiries, contact Steven Coop at 406-880-1145 or scoop@ReachHigherMontana.org.

Reach Higher Montana is part of the Montana Higher Education Student Assistance Corporation (MHESAC), aiming to help students pursue educational opportunities strategically. The Montana Chafee Foster Care Independence Program assists foster care youth with transitioning into adulthood by providing essential life skills. Eligible foster care youth can receive financial assistance through the Foster Care Education and Training Voucher program.