The
Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) today announced that the
Become an Alum (BAA) program has expanded to partner with Flathead Valley
Community College (FVCC).
“We
have a team ready to support and help you complete a certificate or associate’s
degree,”
said Job
Service Kalispell Manager Laura Gardner.
“Helping you succeed is our mission
and we will be here for you each step of the way. Whatever got in the way of
finishing the first time, we can help you address it.”
BAA
program staff work with former students who left school before attaining a
degree or credential and help them return to college. The program offers former
students personalized guidance, support and resources. BAA seeks to connect
employers who are seeking employees in their career field with individuals
interested in pursuing education and training opportunities that give them the
skills needed to fill those in-demand jobs.
“Local
employers are also a key part of this program,”
Gardner said. “We know that
students completing a degree and certificate programs can help fill vacancies
and in-demand fields in our area.”
By
partnering with FVCC on this program, Job Service Kalispell staff have begun
engaging in outreach and re-enrollment activities to link with students. Over
1,400 former students have been contacted and provided with information on how
the program can help them finish their degree. The first enrollees are expected
to start class at the start of the upcoming spring semester beginning in
January 2021. Depending on need and available resources, assistance is
available for the cost of books, supplies, tools, and other fees associated
with finishing a degree.
FVCC
offers a variety of online classes and flexible scheduling to assist
non-traditional students and working professionals as they finish their
degrees. FVCC's Student Support Services are available to work with individuals
to find a certificate or degree program that meets their goals and lifestyle
needs.
“This
is a very positive partnership for our community, as FVCC has many programs
that lead to careers in just a year or two such as a medical lab technician,
electrician, firearms developer, graphic designer, medical lab assistant, and
web developer,”
said
FVCC Vice President of Academic Affairs Chris Clouse.
“Also, students that
complete our programs get jobs - 76% of graduates from FVCC career and
technical education programs obtain local jobs in northwest Montana.”
Students
interested in the Become an Alum program are encouraged to contact Job Service
Kalispell at (406) 758-6200 or
KalispellJSC@mt.gov. Job Service workforce consultants
encourage former students to contact them soon as it takes time to reapply,
finish financial aid documents and the reenrollment steps needed to start
during the upcoming spring semester.