Montana Education/Business Partnerships

Shared Leadership for a Stronger Montana Economy began in September 2003 when the Montana Board of Regents committed to find new ways for the Montana University System to take a more direct leadership role in the state’s economic development.

A.J. Doherty, a UM junior in communications who interned at Disney, couldn’t agree more. "Working for the company, I put higher expectations on myself," he said. "I think an internship is vital. It gives you a chance to learn more about yourself."

The whole point of the series is to engage the community beyond campus borders by showcasing UM’s faculty through educational and entertaining lectures that are geared to nonstudents.

We thank all of the kids who attended the event. Organizers and volunteers were amazed at the knowledge and zeal that these kids showed, and we hope that they continue their education and thirst for knowledge.

The Billings program that, if successful, could be used around the state, said John Cech, dean of the Montana State University-Billings College of Technology.

Schweitzer proposes to bolster student assistance by taking away money Gov. Judy Martz budgeted for two major objectives her office and the Montana Commission of Higher Education hammered out in a series of statewide public forums called Shared Leadership Initiative for a Stronger Montana Economy.

The University of Montana Business School has an outstanding Internship program. Can you company take advantage of this opportunity? http://www.business.umt.edu/currentstudents/internships/default.asp

Two-year colleges should get plenty of attention this legislative session, as spots that can offer "workforce training" to fill highly paid jobs in many technical fields.

"This is a rewarding program for us," said Tricia Harrison of First Interstate Bank West. "When we get back (to work), we’re all happy and smiling." "Our goal is to foster partnerships that benefit the school, the business and the students,"

"Many of the students have the capability of handling a more rigid curriculum but chose not to because they are more interested in their grades or just not motivated," Weissenfels said. "Hopefully it will raise the expectations of everybody – parents, kids, teachers and administrators."