After serving as chair of the Montana Campus Compact's Executive Board and CEO council for the past eleven years, President Jane Karas (Flathead Valley Community College) has graciously handed the chair reigns to President Scott Mickelsen (Dawson Community Community College). Under President Karas' leadership, the MTCC network celebrated its 25th anniversary, launched the George M. Dennison Civic Engagment Scholarship, began a robust new AmeriCorps program, and much much more. Join us in thanking President Karas for her hard work on behalf of this statwide network, and let's welcome President Mickelsen to the role!
On the MTCC staff front, in early February (Executive Director) Andrea Vernon, accepted a full-time position leading UM's Experiential Learning and Career Success, after just over five successful years leading the organization. Following Andrea's departure, MTCC's Executive Board appointed Josh Vanek (MTCC associate director) to the role of Executive Director effective Feb. 15th. Josh comes to the position with a 21-year history with MTCC, and a commitment to helping chart a strong course for the network. Join us in thanking Andrea for her commitment to MTCC, and welcoming Josh to his new role.
YSM Scholarship Deadline Extended to February 28th
One hundred $1,000 scholarships are available to incoming college freshmen (current h.s. seniors). in recognition of their volunteer service in their respective communities. Qualifying students will have completed just 50 hours of volunteer service within the last 12 months. The Youth Serve Montana award is made via MTCC’s partnership with the Governor’s Office of Community Service and Reach Higher Montana. We offer this scholarship opportunity to provide financial assistance for our Montana students who will be attending a Montana Campus Compact Institution in Fall 2021.
EXTENDED APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 28, 2021 Application
Continuums of Service Conference: March 17th The Western Campus Compact consortium is hosting a virtual conferences on March 17th, and the conference is free to students, faculty, staff, adminstrators and partners from Campus Compact institutions like yours. Two Montanans (Pres. Karla Bird from Blackfeet Community College and Prof. Robin Saha from the University of Montana) will speak the panel, following keynote remarks from Dr. Tom Romero from the University of Denver. The overarching theme for the conference is Full Participation: Resilience and Responsibility for Racial and Environmental Justice. Please help us spread the word!
Jobs: Join the MTCC Team, and More MTCC is currently seeking an operations and finance manager. Application deadline is March 1, more information and application instructions are here. The Montana Governor's Office of Community Service is seeking a Grants Manager, apply here.
National Service programs like AmeriCorps and VISTA have a long-standing history with Campus Compact, across networks, regions, and the country. Compacts are finding creative solutions to campus-community problems to address student basic needs, co-creating student learning experiences, and much more. Join us for this call to learn just a few ways that our National Service members are helping Campus Compact fulfill its mission.
Host VISTA Summer Associates, and Please Encourage Students to Explore National Service
The priority deadline to host VISTA Summer Assoicate members (who are typically current college students and eligible high school seniors) is March 5th. These 10-week positions support summer learning loss prevention for K-12 students, college access programs, community nutrition and anti-hunger programs, COVID-19 relief and more. Please contact Callye Foster with questions.
The Community Engagement Professional Credential offers a framework for community engagement professionals to grow and achieve formal recognition for the knowledge and skills they develop in their careers. Micro-credtional certification areas include: Community Engagement Fundamentals,Community Partnerships, Community-Engaged Learning and Teaching (Service-Learning), Program Administration, and Supporting Engaged Faculty Development.
Resource: Campus Compact Podcast Tune in bi-weekly for conversations with leading community engagement professionals and discussions of new research and innovative work in the field.
Discount: Campus Compact member discount. Campus Compact members (if you're reading this, that means you) save 20% on books available through the online Campus Compact bookstore!
Story to Share? Send it to Us!
The MTCC Network Office wants to share your good news! Especially those pieces related to campus-community partnership, civic engagement, service learning, volunteerism and democracy. Email your story ideas, or ready made pieces to Josh Vanek to get them included in this monthly newsletter, regularly seen by over 1000 education and community leaders across Montana.
