CodeMT to MT Tech cropped
Left to Right: Chancellor Don Blackketter, Josh Lee (CS Student), Jeff Braun, Susan and Greg Gianforte, Celia Schahczenski, Frank Ackerman, Michele VanDyne, Phil Winninghoff​

In September of 2013 Rob Irizarry and I launched CodeMontana, a program designed to introduce high school students to computer programming.  In less than two years it has grown to over 1,200 students, expanded to both middle school and high school students, provided opportunities for scholarships, and even incorporated a way for students to earn college credit through the program.  Today we announced another advancement: the program will now be administered by Montana Tech.

Most young people are naturals with computers and technology.  It’s what they’ve grown up using, and I’m a firm believer that computers and technology are here to stay.  But we need to enable our kids to not just be consumers of digital devices, but to be masters, even authors, of digital devices. The kind of pre-college training CodeMontana provides prepares them for high-wage jobs and great careers. Entrusting CodeMontana to Montana Tech is a logical choice to retain these students for our thriving high-tech industry in Montana.

This new arrangement will allow CodeMontana to reach even more students across the state. A $220,000 gift from the Gianforte Family Foundation will allow Tech to hire a full-time coordinator to administer CodeMontana and recruit Computer Science students from Montana high schools.   And, though CodeMontana will continue as the same program, its new home will offer further mentorship for CodeMontana students from current Computer Science students at Tech. The added mentorship will encourage students to complete CodeMontana and motivate them to choose a career in Computer Science at Montana Tech.

Plus, the future increased turnout of computer science majors will provide high-tech firms across the state with qualified workers for their growing companies.  This means more high-paying jobs for our state, and the ability for our kids to get good, in-state jobs after college.  It’s a chance for us to give our next generation another tool to make their own opportunities.