The
Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) today announced that the
Become an Alum (BAA) program has expanded to partner with Montana State
University Billings (MSU Billings) and City College at MSU Billings.
The BAA
program staff work with former Montana University System students who left
school before attaining a degree or credential and
help them return to college. BAA offers former
students personalized guidance, support and resources. The program 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. Depending on need and
available resources, assistance is available for the cost of books, supplies,
tools, and other fees associated with finishing a degree.
By
partnering with MSU Billings and City College at MSU Billings on this program,
Job Service Billings staff have begun engaging in outreach and re-enrollment
activities to link with students. Over 2,000 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 classes this spring
semester.
“With
our Become an Alum program, we have a variety of ways to support students who
wish to return and complete a certificate, an associate or bachelor’s degree,”
said Job Service Billings
Workforce Consultant Supervisor
Xiaoyi Wang.
“Whatever
obstacle got in the way of you finishing your degree the first time around,
we’re here to help you overcome and address it.”
Both MSU
Billings and City College at MSU Billings offer a variety of online classes and
flexible scheduling to assist non-traditional students and working
professionals as they finish their degrees. It is common for students to have a
job, family, or other responsibilities as they attend college part-time and
complete a degree at their own pace.
“MSU
Billings and City College at MSU Billings are great choices for Montanans
wanting to finish a degree, whether that means completing what they started or
using their credits to go in a new direction,”
said MSU Billings Vice Chancellor
for Student Access and Success Kim Hayworth
. “Besides being affordable, our
graduates have increased earning power and have the convenience of being able
to live, learn and work right here in Billings. We are excited to be teaming up
with Job Service of Billings to help our local community achieve their career
goals.”
Students
interested in the Become an Alum program are encouraged to contact Job Service
Billings at (406) 652-3080 or
BillingsSC@mt.gov,
or visit
msubillings.edu/getyourdegree. 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.