We exist to:

  • Provide all Montanans with affordable access to excellent educational opportunity. Provide for a seamless transition from K-12 to college and ensure retention.
  • Increase academic engagement and achievement for minorities throughout the MUS and the state.
  • Ensure our campuses are places that are welcoming and primed for student success and at the same time make sure we are reaching current and future first generation college students.

Partnerships:

  • The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education has a presence in middle and high schools across Montana through dual enrollment, Montana Educational Talent Search (ETS), Montana GEAR UP, Perkins, ACT and many other initiatives ensuring that each has a linkage to Indian Country.
  • The AIMA Program works directly with two college access grants.
  • The Montana ETS Program has a $584,694 annual budget and serves 1287 students in 13 middle schools and their receiving high schools, providing college and career readiness services to students and their families.
  • The GEAR UP Program receives $3.5 million annually and provides similar services to 18 middle schools and their receiving high schools, 12 of which are on or near reservation schools. 

Goals:

  1. Grow the capacity of MUS administrators, faculty and staff to provide culturally responsive instruction, counsel, outreach and student support
  2. Increase Student Access
  3. Increase Student Retention
  4. Increase Student Completion
  5. Improve Tribal College to MUS relations
  6. Grow usage of American Indian Student Success Dashboard
  7. Promote Indigenous Philosophy and understanding in relationships