$9.4M Washington Foundation Gift Aims to Keep Best Teachers in Montana

With evidence mounting that Montana schoolchildren are experiencing unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression – and as educators continue to leave the state for higher-paying careers elsewhere – the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation has mobilized to provide kids and teachers a better tomorrow.

The University of Montana Foundation announced this week that the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation has made a $9.4 million gift to fund a signature initiative for the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education at UM. The effort will offer a two-pronged solution to some of the state’s biggest challenges in K-12 education and behavioral health.

“This gift has the potential to transform K-12 education in Montana, giving our children the support they need to thrive and empowering our educators,” UM President Seth Bodnar said.