Area high schools get iGraduate grants

Polson High School, Troy High School and Ronan School District are each recipients of a $10,000 iGraduate Montana grant to promote high school graduation and workforce development. Libby Middle High School was awarded a $5,000 grant.

A total of 18 grants, which are funded by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, were awarded to help schools, colleges and nonprofits support programs and projects such as apprenticeships, work-based learning, mentoring, dual enrollment, career fairs and college visits.

Grant recipients will partner with Montana businesses and nonprofits to help students explore in-demand careers and gain real-world experience, according to a press release from the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.

“High school graduation, college access and workforce development are inextricably linked,” said Foundation Executive Director Mike Halligan. “Each of these 18 projects builds community partnerships in these areas, making these grants a community investment in the future of Montana’s youth and our state economy.”

The iGraduate Montana initiative is a partnership of the Montana University System and Office of Public Instruction.

“The partnerships funded through iGraduate Montana help connect students from middle school to high school with career pathways that will position them for long-term success,” said Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen. “The Career and Technical Education that the grants will support is now more important than ever to Montana’s future.”