Montana Technological University’s Institute for Educational Opportunities Earn Recognition

At the 2023 Montana College Attainment Network (MCAN) Annual Conference in Helena, March 13-15, Montana Technological University’s Institute for Educational Opportunities was recognized with the MCAN Champion of College Attainment award because of their unwavering support of not only students in K-12 education and those in college, but also for their ongoing support and dedication to other professionals across the state including K-12 and post-secondary educators, nonprofits, and student support service providers.

Steven Coop, Programs Manager for Reach Higher Montana, noted that “the IEO team of professionals have consistently stepped up to support the planning and implementation of the annual MCAN conferences, offered training and support programs to students and educators, shared their knowledge and experiences at local, regional, and national conferences, and have exemplified the MCAN vision of providing opportunities to students and opening doors through education.”

Since 1994, the IEO has helped more than a third of all students from Southwest Montana prepare to succeed in higher education, focusing on students who show high aptitude in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and pairing them with programs that meet their individual needs. Students enrolled in Institute programs receive one-on-one attention and support, ensuring they receive the tools they need to achieve their dreams.

MCAN is a community-based college access alliance supported by community and education leaders representing K-12, higher education, the nonprofit sector, government, business, and philanthropy. These coalitions are committed to building an educated Montana workforce ready to meet future opportunities.

Building a college-going culture in Montana will strengthen state and local economies, demonstrate to businesses interested in investing in Montana that education is valued here, and develop generational prosperity.

To learn more about the Institute for Educational Opportunities, please visit https://institute.mtech.edu/.