Accelerate Montana announced today that it has been selected by Microsoft as a continuing fellow as part of its TechSpark program to continue to foster digital inclusion through the expansion of training and workforce development programs in the technology sector in Montana tribal communities. This initiative addresses the persistent challenges of limited access to technology education, high-speed internet, and career opportunities in Montana's tribal communities. By expanding training programs and workforce development initiatives, the partnership aims to bridge the digital divide, create pathways to high-demand technology jobs, and support economic resilience in these communities.
Accelerate Montana the portfolio of economic and workforce development programs affiliated with the University of Montana, serves as a vital resource for the people of Montana by fostering a strong workforce and enhancing economic capacity throughout the state. With a mission to support economic prosperity for Montana’s workers, companies, and communities, the organization’s programs cater to various needs. From aiding small businesses to empowering large enterprises in building skilled teams, Accelerate Montana supports entrepreneurs and empowers individuals to acquire new skills or embark on fresh career paths. Accelerate Montana will be supported by the Microsoft grant as a TechSpark Community Engagement Fellow, working together to support addressing the critical challenges of digital inclusion, job creation, and technological innovation in Montana. Microsoft recently announced the second cohort of the TechSpark Community Engagement Fellowship, which support nonprofit organizations across the country working to expand economic opportunities in their communities.
In the first year of the Microsoft TechSpark Grant, we successfully hosted 50 participants in our Tribal Broadband Bootcamp. Attendees traveled from across Montana and even as far as Washington, D.C., to take part in this immersive, hands-on training. The program provided participants with essential broadband skills, connected them with industry experts, and empowered Tribal communities to take the first steps toward building and managing their own broadband networks. This impactful start laid the groundwork for addressing connectivity challenges and fostering digital equity across Indian Country.
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be able to bring awareness to our Tribal Communities in Montana. Being able to host our Microsoft TechSpark/ Tribal Broadband Bootcamp event on the Fort Belknap Indian Community was very important to me. I was able to bring people from all over the country and state to see the community I grew up on. FBIC is located in North Central Montana, we are in Rural Montana. It was my goal for the attendees to see lack of access firsthand. During the boot camp we had hands-on components as well as discussions regarding digital equity and broadband access.I am honored to have been selected as a Microsoft TechSpark Fellow for year two!" Said Ticia Cliff, Enrolled Aaniiih (Gros Ventre) of the Fort Belknap Indian Community.
"Microsoft’s TechSpark program works closely with local community organizations to develop digital skills, support nonprofits, and create jobs,” said Mike Egan, Senior Director, Microsoft TechSpark. “Working with organizations like Accelerate Montana will help realize the potential of technology and foster greater economic opportunity in Montana. Last year’s cohort of TechSpark Fellows secured over $177 million in funding support, reached 48,000 community members, and engaged 548 partners to help build economic opportunities in 42 communities across the nation. Read more about Microsoft TechSpark here.
For Accelerate Montana media inquiries, please reach out to Mercedes Bawden, the Marketing Director for Accelerate Montana. Mercedes.bawden@mso.umt.edu or 406-594-5101.