The
Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) today announced that the
Become an Alum (BAA) program has expanded to partner with Helena College.
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. The program connects
individuals interested in pursuing education and training opportunities with
employers who seek to fill in-demand jobs. Depending on the need and available
resources, assistance may be available for individuals with the cost of books,
supplies, tools, and other fees associated with finishing a degree.
In
partnership with Helena College, Job Service Helena staff have begun engaging
in outreach and re-enrollment activities to link with potential students. Over
1,150 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 at the start of the upcoming spring semester on January 25.
The spring semester application deadline is Friday, January 15.
“From
financial help to re-enrollment assistance, we have a variety of ways to
support students who wish to return and complete a certificate or degree at
Helena College,”
said Job Service Helena Manager Carol Rule. “Whatever
obstacle got in the way of finishing a degree the first time around, we’re here
to help overcome it.”
Helena
College offers various 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.
"Supporting
the Greater Helena Community is a core tenant of our mission,"
said Dr. Sandra Bauman, Dean/CEO of
Helena College.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Montana Department
of Labor & industry and Helena Job Service to provide our community members
who got off track a way to further their education and career goals."
Students
interested in the Become an Alum program are encouraged to contact Job Service
Helena at (406) 447-3200 or
HelenaJSC@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.