Child care instability impacts Montana businesses

I recently had the privilege of attending the Women in Business Summit in Bozeman, where event proceeds went to state child care initiatives. This issue concerns not only women but all parents in the state. It’s also an issue for businesses, as child care instability affects our workforce. The University of Montana College of Business can’t resolve the child care crisis in this state, but we can support parents striving to reach their educational and learning potential.

Since the 1980s, the UM College of Business has offered online education at the graduate level. We specialize in delivering high-quality online education and are thrilled to announce our new, fully online undergraduate degree in business management.

This new program is specifically designed to assist students with some college credits or a two-year associate’s degree but have not yet completed their bachelor’s degree. This presents an opportunity to finally earn that four-year degree while maintaining their jobs and support system. The online program allows students to complete coursework on their own schedule from anywhere they live. Enrollment has already begun, and students can start coursework as early as this summer.

Obtaining a degree is a significant personal achievement and enhances earning potential. However, many individuals cannot pause their lives to return to school or attend classes at specific times. People have family obligations, child care responsibilities, and jobs. For parents with child care at a place they like and can afford, keeping that spot takes priority. We want to assist students — especially nontraditional learners — develop their business knowledge and leadership skills, allowing them to achieve their potential while maintaining support systems.

The degree offered online is the same as in person, and we are committed to supporting students not only in Missoula but anywhere in the world. Our amazing Gianchetta Student Success Center provides personalized support for advising, career development, internships, and more, whether you are on campus or online.

Online students also have full access to all scholarship opportunities the College of Business offers. This past year, we awarded over $600,000 in scholarships directly to business students.

Once students obtain their degree, they gain access to our alumni network, which is more than 20,000 strong and one of the most engaged in the Pacific Northwest. College of Business alums regularly offer internships and job opportunities for students and recent graduates. Within three months of graduation, 90% of College of Business graduates have full-time employment or attend graduate school.

This program supports rural and Indigenous students who may find it difficult to leave their communities for college. We work closely with Flathead Valley Community College to assist students in building on a two-year degree and achieving a four-year degree.

This is the time for people to finish what they started while remaining in their community, keeping their jobs, and managing child care – whether by the parent or preserving that valuable slot. The University of Montana College of Business is dedicated to supporting all students — whether right out of high school or parents balancing work and childcare responsibilities — so they can earn a diploma and discover what life has in store next.

Suzanne Tilleman is the Sprunk and Burnham Endowed Dean at the College of Business at the University of Montana.