Montana is at a pivotal moment — one filled with both challenge and opportunity. Across our state, and particularly in rural communities, the need for behavioral health support and leadership remains a growing concern. Yet Montanans are resourceful, community-driven and deeply committed to caring for one another. By investing in our youth and future workforce, we can turn this moment into a powerful springboard for growth and resilience.
Montana currently ranks among the lowest states for access to mental health care, and more than half of youth with depression go untreated, we have an extraordinary opportunity to change that story. Young people have insight, energy and compassion to lead the way. With the right guidance, access to opportunities and skill-building, they will continue to shape healthier, more resilient futures for themselves and their communities.
About the Program
The Center received a 3-year Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to develop and deploy training for high school students in Helena, Kalispell, and Livingston public schools.
This program equips Montana youth with career awareness, exploration, and preparation in behavioral health fields while building durable skills transferable to any workforce. Through leadership development, mental health education, and introductory employment training, students gain the tools to support their communities and pursue meaningful careers.
Learning Outcomes
The program's overall goals are to provide youth with:
- Career awareness for high school students.
- Career exploration among freshmen and sophomores.
- Career preparation among juniors and seniors.
- Career training for those with a high school diploma or in pursuit of post-secondary training.
Program Format
Our preliminary plan is for cohorts run twice each year, from September to December and February to May. Students complete a 20-lesson course paired with micro-experiential experiences to gain durable skills focused on leadership development, mental health, and introductory employment skills. The curriculum also emphasizes behavioral health career exploration, connecting students with pathways to make a real difference in Montana's communities.