Tribal colleges across state to host career fairs

MISSOULA — In collaboration with The Montana Post-Secondary Educational Opportunities Council, Montana universities will send representatives to seven tribal college events across Montana in February.

“We are very excited to offer this tribal college career-fair circuit in Montana,” said Amy Leary, executive director for MPSEOC. “It is our goal to serve hundreds of college students, high school students, nontraditional students, families, guidance counselors and community members with these events.”

The college fairs give participants an opportunity to contemplate their higher education and career options. Students can visit with representatives from in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities, technical and trade schools, military branches, agencies and career representatives.

“For some students, the tribal colleges foster an easy conduit to continuing on to a four- year institution,” said Emily Ferguson-Steger, assistant director of diversity marketing and recruitment at The University of Montana. “If a student is looking to earn a bachelor’s degree, it’s important they find a school that provides a solid fit. The fair gives them the opportunity to talk to many institutions without having to travel our massive state.”

Each fair will give away a scholarship and door prizes, which will be awarded by a random drawing from the names of people who attend the tribal college fairs. The free and open-to-the-public events begin February 11. The schedule is as follows:
   • Salish Kootenai College: 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 11, Joe McDonald Health and Fitness Center’s Gymnasium, 58138 U.S. Highway 93, Pablo.
   • Blackfeet Community College: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 12, Student Services Building Beaver Painted Lodge, 504 E. Boundary St., Browning.
   • Stone Child College: 11a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 13, Stone Child Vo-Tech Center, 8294 Upper Box Elder Rd., Box Elder.
   • Aaniiih’ Nakoda College: 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, February 14, Red Whip Gymnasium, U.S. Highways 2 and 66, Harlem.
   • Fort Peck Community College: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 19, GTD Auditorium, 605 Indian Ave., Poplar.
   • Chief Dull Knife College: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 20, Main Building, 1 College Drive, Lame Deer.
   • Little Bighorn College: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, February 21, Sub Lounge, 1 Forestry Lane, Crow Agency.

The events are sponsored by the American Indian College Fund, GEAR UP, the Montana University System û Student Financial Services, the College Board/SAT, Montana’s seven tribal colleges, MPSEOC and http://montanacolleges.com/.

For more information call Leary at 406-531-3531 or email amy.leary@montanacolleges.com.