Governor Gianforte, U.S. Education Secretary McMahon Highlight Innovation in Education in Montana

Governor Gianforte, U.S. Education Secretary McMahon Highlight Innovation in Education in Montana

• September 19 2025

"In Montana, we're focused on unlocking the brightest futures for our youngest minds by inspiring a love of reading, encouraging innovation in the classroom, and making historic investments for our teachers," Gov. Gianforte said. "Joining Secretary McMahon and President Trump, I am proud to work with them to empower parents, teachers, and administrators to help students succeed."

"Montana is making important strides by implementing targeted programs that boost literacy from early childhood through high school and expanding workforce initiatives that prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "Those locally-driven efforts show how returning education control to the states allows for tailored solutions that directly meet unique economic and community needs."

Gov. Gianforte (left) and Sec. McMahon (right) speaking during a roundtable discussion at Montana State University

In August, Secretary McMahon announced the "Returning Education to the States" Tour, where the secretary will visit all 50 U.S. states to hear from students, teachers, and leaders on best practices in their own communities as the Department works to fulfill President Trump's commitment to return education to the states. Her visit to Montana marks the nineteenth state visited on the tour.

During her visit to Montana, Sec. McMahon joined Gov. Gianforte and Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen for a visit to Morning Star Elementary School, the Bozeman Agriculture Research and Teaching Farm, followed by a roundtable discussion held at Montana State University (MSU) focused on education and workforce development.

Opening the roundtable, the governor outlined Montana's focus on promoting innovation in education to equip students with in-demand skills to be prepared for secondary education or to enter the workforce.

Highlighting expanding opportunities for students in and out of the classroom, Gov. Gianforte discussed state investments in internships, apprenticeships, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

Since taking office, the governor has prioritize promoting trades education and increasing access to individualized, work-based learning opportunities to strengthen Montana's workforce. In 2021, the governor authorized every school district in the state to establish individualized, work-based learning paths for students. In 2023, a record number of Montana high school students received college credit in CTE program, with more than 3,300 students participating.

In addition, the governor increased apprenticeship opportunities by changing the journeyman-to-apprentice ratio from 2:1 to 1:2. Now, one journeyman can supervise two apprentices. This rule change has led to a record number of apprentices working in Montana. In 2024, more than 680 Montana businesses offered apprenticeships to train workers resulting in over 3,150 Montanans enrolled in active apprenticeships, a 25% increase over the five years prior.

Touching on Montana's latest initiative to meet national education and workforce development goals established by President Trump, Gov. Gianforte highlighted 406 JOBS as a new tool developed by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry State Workforce Innovation Board. In April, President Trump issued two executive orders instructing federal agencies to implement workforce development initiatives to prepare Americans for skilled trade jobs and to advance artificial intelligence in education. The 406 JOBS framework aligns with federal policy and modernizes and unifies Montana's workforce system.

Roundtable participants included MSU President Brock Tessman, Superintendent Hedalen, Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian, industry partners, local leaders, as well as MSU faculty, professors, and students.

Watch the roundtable discussion here.