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Montana's Agro-Energy Plan

Central and Eastern Montana-Montanans for Bio-Product Development

The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education is managing the Montana's Agro-Energy Plan (MAP-WIRED) grant program, under contract from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. The plan involves two-year colleges and K-12 programs that has approximately $1.2 million for the first year, although this amount may vary in years two and three depending upon the future curriculum and training needs. These funds will be used to establish a network of Bio-products Industry Cluster Hubs in two and four-year colleges located within the targeted region and to establish Manufacturing Career Cluster Models relevant to the Bio-products Cluster.

The functions of a Bio-Energy Industry Cluster Hub include: development of new curricula using direct industry input; monitoring cluster trends and assessing needs; creating skills standards as needed; facilitate workplace learning; promote cluster-related entrepreneurship; conduct global benchmarking; advance cooperation among all levels of the education system; host and deliver complementary services; and establishing a clearinghouse for cluster information and resources.

The funds within the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education will also be used to establish Manufacturing Career Cluster Models relevant to the Bio-products Cluster and will include individual K-12 schools and/or districts as partners. Other organizations and agencies (such as Community-Based Organizations) that serve the adult learner may be included as partners. Although the funds will be distributed to postsecondary institutions through a competitive process, a required priority will be to engage one or more secondary schools as sub-grantees for the coordinated development of pathways in the targeted bio-products industry and related occupations. Business and Industry partners are also encouraged.

The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education has chosen four post secondary institutions to receive funding under the Montana's Agro-Energy Plan. The successful institutions include: Dawson Community College, Fort Peck Community College, Miles Community College and MSU-Northern. All of these institutions reside within the 32 Montana counties designated for these federal funds. The institutions will share the million dollar annual three-year allocation. The funds must be used to provide job training or assist in the development and implementation of model activities related to the bioproducts industry.

These educational grants encourage the colleges to partner with other colleges, K-12 schools, community based organizations, businesses, and entrepreneurs.

Montana Agro-Energy Plan (WIRED) Map
Department of Labor WIRED Webpage

Agro-Energy Snapshot: Miles Community College   Miles Community College, in partnership with Chief Dull Knife College, Fort Belknap College, Fort Peck Community College, Little Big Horn College, and Stone Child College is creating the “Today’s Fuels for Tomorrow’s Growth” program.  This program is twofold and focuses on opportunities for added value to agricultural crops and quality jobs in the MAP- WIRED region.             The first aspect of this program focuses on demonstrations for both the general public and high schools.  The demonstrations include seed cleaning, seed crushing and Biodiesel production from oilseed crops.  The demonstrations are designed to increase awareness of the program, and the opportunities available in the region; primarily in the aspect of crop production for bio-energy feed stocks.               The second aspect is curriculum development.  Our goal is to create tailored programs and career clusters that will help to prepare individuals for careers in various aspects of the bio-energy industry as it develops.  The growth of new industries creates new job opportunities; training for these positions is essential for keeping Montana residents in these new Montana industries.  Entrepreneurship curriculum is also key to this program as it focuses on the development of small businesses which can be created in conjunction with the bioenergy growth.  This program is distance education-based to reach the majority constitutes in the region.             Through the demonstrations and training programs, MCC and partners hope to have an active role in helping to bring bio-energy industry to the economically challenged MAP-WIRED region.  We hope to help add value to Montana agriculture through alternative markets for crops, and to help prepare a workforce for new industry to grow in this region.      Contact Information: Kristin Gustad, M.S. WIRED Grant Project Director Miles Community College 2715 Dickinson Miles City, MT 59301 406-874-6301 gustadk@milescc.edu http://www.milescc.edu/CampusServices/WIRED/

 

Have questions, or in need of technical assistance? Contact WIRED Specialist
Dr. David Hall at (406) 444-0608 or click here to email.

 

Montana Workforce Development • Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education
P.O. Box 203201 • Helena, MT 59620 • (406) 444-6570