Governor Gianforte, Turning Point USA Promote Club America Chapters in Montana

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte and Turning Point USA (TPUSA) today announced their support to bring TPUSA Club America chapters to every Montana high school, advancing founder Charlie Kirk's vision and defending student-led engagement and free speech.

"On this year of the 250th anniversary of the founding of this great nation, there's never been a better time than now to encourage our young people to promote constitutional values and ideals, gain leadership skills, and advocate for American values in their schools," Gov. Gianforte said. "Whether enrolled in a public school, independent school, or homeschool, we're making sure students have the tools and support to start a Club America chapter on their campus and make their voices heard."

Gov. Gianforte speaking during a TPUSA event held at the state capitol in Helena

TPUSA is a non-profit organization founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk who was only 19 at the time. The organization's mission is to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government. Through its Club America program, high school students can start chapters to promote American exceptionalism, constitutional rights, civics education, and freedom.

After Charlie Kirk's assassination in September 2025, his wife, Erika Kirk, took over as CEO of TPUSA. Meeting with students at the Montana State Capitol, Erika shared the importance of engaging young people to promote American values.

"Meeting the students today in Montana only reinforces my love for what Charlie built on high school and college campuses," Erika Kirk said. "We will see his mission through to establish a Club America on EVERY campus in Montana and nationwide. They are the motivation."

Joining the governor for the announcement was Andrew Sypher, vice president of field operations for Turning Point USA, who spoke of Charlie Kirk's vision for Club America and the growth the program has experienced over the last year.

"We wanted more students that love their country to lead in their schools and advocate for American values. Their mission is simple - to restore civics and patriotism in the classroom and the K-12 system through dialogue, debate, community service, and engaging with their school board to say that American values matter," Sypher said.

With a presence on over 3,500 college and high school campuses, TPUSA is the largest and fastest-growing youth organization in America. In Montana, 20 high schools have Club America chapters. Joined by nearly 70 Montana students who lead chapters at their high schools across the state, the governor indicated his support to see a chapter at every single high school in Montana.

Speaking during the event was a high school senior, Naomi Maurer, chapter president of the Club America chapter at Park High School, who shared her motivation and journey to start a chapter and the impact they've made on their campus and in their community.

"We saw immediate support from our student body, with our first chapter meeting bringing in over 50 students, followed by several other events and chapter meetings that show success after success," Mauer said. "My officer team and I have also participated in countless community opportunities to further share and showcase the mission that Charlie Kirk started."

With the support of Montana State Superintendent Susie Hedalen, Gov. Gianforte announced his encouragement for educators and administrators to support students interested in starting a Club America chapter in their high school. Hedalen today sent a letter to district superintendents and trustees to highlight the importance of civics education in Montanna schools and to outline the steps for students interested in starting a chapter.

"As we welcome the 250th anniversary of our nation, we encourage Montana students to deepen their civic engagement through student-led Club America chapters," Superintendent Hedalen said. "Alongside our efforts to expand civics coursework and promote the Seal of Civics Literacy, Club America chapters give students meaningful opportunities to connect their education with the real world, build leadership skills, and put the rights and responsibilities of citizenship into practice."

A video recording of the announcement may be viewed here . Superintendent Hedalen's letter to school districts may be viewed here .

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