Montana’s Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) recently announced the extension of the Become an Alum (BAA) program at Montana State University Billings and City College at MSU Billings. The BAA program will now support students through the spring semester of 2022.
The Become an Alum program is designed to help former students of the Montana University System who may not have completed an initial degree or credential return to college. The BAA offers these students guidance, resources, and additional support in order to complete their degree. Students may qualify for financial resources according to their needs and will cover the cost of books, supplies, and course fees associated with completing their degree.
Job Service Billings has partnered with MSU Billings and City College in outreach activities to encourage former Montana University System students to complete their degree by re-enrolling in college. In addition to completing a degree or certification, the goal of Job Service is to connect individuals and potential employers to fill in-demand jobs while ensuring the individuals have the education and skills necessary for the job. Since December 2020, Job Service Billings staff have contacted over 2,000 students that are eligible for the program and the first class of BAA students began classes this spring. As the spring semester ends, five students participating in the program will have finished their first classes as members of BAA.
“With another academic year added, it gives us the opportunity to serve more students who are willing to invest in themselves and return to MSUB and City College to get their degrees done,” said Job Service Billings Workforce Consultant Supervisor Xiaoyi Wang. “The support for the students does not stop there. Our goal is to utilize this funding to upskill Montana’s workforce and help them find fulfilling careers as they enter back into the workforce.”
In addition to traditional in-person programs and small class sizes, MSUB and City College offer degrees that are available completely online and are flexible to adapt to families, jobs, and other responsibilities that students may have. These offerings assist non-traditional and working professionals as they attend college full-time or part-time to complete a degree at their own pace. To view the programs and resources available at both campuses, visit www.msubillings.edu/getyourdegree.
“MSU Billings and City College offer affordable and attainable degrees with flexible formats that fit the needs of working professionals and non-traditional students as they return to college,” said MSU Billings Vice Chancellor for Student Access and Success Kim Hayworth. “We are thrilled to continue this partnership with Job Service of Billings as we assist the local community to pursue higher education and help meet Montana workforce needs.”
Job Service workforce consultants encourage former students to contact them soon as it takes time to reapply, finish financial aid documents and complete the reenrollment steps needed to start during the upcoming fall semester. Aside from BAA funding, there are also other programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) that youth, adults, and dislocated workers may qualify for as they consider going to college to reach their employments goals. Students interested in the BAA program and additional opportunities are encouraged to contact Job Service Billings at 406-652-3080 or billingsSC@mt.gov.
