Montana to join college graduation initiative
Gov. Bullock says Montana to join initiative aimed at increasing college graduation
HELENA, Mont. (AP) -- Gov. Steve Bullock said Monday that Montana is joining an initiative aimed at finding ways the state can increase college graduation rates.
Bullock said the program fits with his overall goal to increase the number of adults with some sort of college degree or certificate from 40 percent to 60 percent. It relies on the expertise of the Complete College America program to help the state identify areas to improve.
Bullock said he expects the program could result in more focus on results at colleges, better preparation in high school, and less complex paths to graduation at college. Details will be finalized in the coming months in an effort led by the Board of Regents, which runs the college system.
Bullock said higher college graduation will make Montana more competitive and increase wages while strengthening the economy.
Backers said the effort will be buoyed by measures adopted this past legislative session to freeze college tuition and to institute some performance-based funding for the college system.
"Complete College Montana will bring together, under one initiative, current state efforts and new strategies that show great promise for not only increasing college completion, but to ensure that students are earning their degree on time — saving students and the state of Montana millions of dollars," Bullock said.
The governor said it is too early to say what sort of price tag could be attached to the initiative. Complete College America said other states that have joined the program have not generally seen an increase in overall education expenses.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau and the Montana Board of Regents joined the governor in announcing the program.
Juneau said she expects continued emphasis on increasing the number of high school students that graduate with some college credit.
"Dual-enrollment courses give students an opportunity to get a jumpstart on life after high school, provide them with an opportunity to experience and get comfortable with college-level courses and make college more affordable for Montana families," she said. "Today's economy is demanding more of our students and our schools. We know that education and training after high school is required to land a good-paying job."
