State program for students earns national recognition

Jobs for Montana's Graduates, a state-level program developed to assist students achieve graduation and obtain skills to become successful in the college and work industry, has earned national recognition. For its 14th year, the program received a "5-of-5" rating for reaching a 98.8% graduation rate, an employment rate of 81% and full-time engagement (college, work, or military at least 40 hours per week) rate of 96%.

"I am pleased Jobs for Montana's Graduates is being recognized yet again for the work they do to ensure Montana students have the support they need to overcome challenges and graduate," stated Gov. Steve Bullock in a press release. "This program is equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue further education or begin a career."

Thompson Falls High School teacher Darcy Farlan has utilized the Department of Labor & Industry funded Jobs for Montana's Graduates since the 2016-2017 school year. "It is designed to teach job skills, problem-solving skills, and integrate civic duties," she shared. Currently, there are 10 students enrolled in the class, but she said last year she had 40 students enrolled in the semester-long course.

"The program promotes positive outcomes," she said, directing attention to completing graduation, attending post-secondary training, or entering the workforce. "We are presently working on financial literacy. We include personal branding, resumes, interviewing skills, how to talk on a telephone, how to not only get a job, but also keep a job and properly quit a job," she said.

Farlan enhances the program with Youth Entrepreneurs, a Kansas City-based program designed to promote small business ownership through teaching principles necessary to start, open and maintain a business. "We investigate certificates needed to open a business, identify personal passions, funding sources, financial obligations, etcetera," she commented. In the past, students were able to organize a market day at one of the home basketball games by creating a sellable product, demonstrating financial reporting and setting up their own "booths" to sell their products.

The ever-famous donkey basketball games were also organized by Farlan's students. "They did all the organization; from contacting businesses, scheduling gym space, seeking approval from the school administration, contacting local businesses for donations toward the silent auction and organizing teams." Farlan added she is hoping to see another market day, providing COVID-19 will allow it, and looks forward to promoting a "civic activity" such as a "mock election," and also wants to identify a community problem that they could solve using "project-based learning."

Farlan gave kudos to the local Job Service for providing a resume workshop last year and high school counselor Jodi Morgan for organizing it. "I am hoping to work with Ray Brown and the Sanders County Community Development Corporation to collaborate with local business owners to develop job skills in our students that will transfer to local businesses," she said.

Jobs for Montana's Graduates began 30 years ago to emphasize staying in school, graduating and successfully transitioning into college, the military or workforce. According to the Department of Labor & Industry, the program has positively affected over 20,000 Montana students.

"We recognize and appreciate Gov. Bullock's leadership and efforts to sustain and grow the Jobs for Montana Graduates program across Montana," said Ken Smith, President of Jobs for America's Graduates. "The success of Jobs for Montana Graduates is in large part due to the strong support of the program from the Governor and Department of Labor & Industry."

"As a fun part of class," said Farlan, "we cook every Friday. Students learn budget-friendly recipes, kitchen safety and participate in serve-safe certification (which is transferable to employment locally)." When given the green light to talk about the program, she admitted that she could go on and on...