Join us in Great Falls! We will be offering the same high quality professional development you've come to expect from MTAA, as well as time to connect with and learn from your peers.
Join us for a free one-day Restorative Justice training hosted at Missoula County Public Schools. This hands-on training led by the National Center for Restorative Justice will focus specifically on implementing restorative practices with elementary and Pre-K students. Please select ONE date to attend, either March 26th OR March 27th. Spots are limited!
Fly Like a Goose and Build Like a Bee: Explore Nature through Biomimicry!
Presenters: Jennifer Robinson, Director of Education, Montana Natural History Center
This STEM-focused professional learning session introduces educational professionals to the concept of biomimicry, aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards for first grade. Participants will explore how nature inspires human innovation and experience hands-on activities they can implement in afterschool and public school settings. The session will model a first-grade–level engineering challenge in which learners explore examples of biomimicry in nature, connect human inventions to this natural phenomena, and design and model a first-grade–level engineering challenge in which test marker boxes of different shapes to determine which design holds the most markers. Participants will also learn about the Montana Natural History Center, its education programs, and upcoming opportunities in 2026.
Lighting the Pathway: Free Afterschool STEM Modules in Photonics
Presenters: Amanda Bastoni, PhD, Senior Director of Workforce & Higher Education Implementation, CAST & Hilary Lozar, STEM Coordinator, Boys & Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County
This free webinar showcases a set of hands-on, afterschool STEM modules designed to help youth explore the emerging industry of photonics—the science of light and its real-world applications in technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Developed through funding from Salish Kootenai College in collaboration with Headwaters Tech Hub, the session highlights how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies were embedded directly into the modules to support access and engagement. Participants will learn how the modules were co-designed, implemented in afterschool settings, and how educators can apply UDL “moves” to design future STEM learning experiences.
Quantum
Presenter: Molly Iversen, M.S. Science Education, Youth Quantum Outreach Coordinator, Science Math Resource Center, Montana State University
The Science Math Resource Center on the Montana State University campus often works with researchers to create and share outreach materials related to their research projects. QCORE is a new facility in Montana related to Quantum computing, networking, materials, and communications. SMRC recently developed an Intro to Quantum kit that is appropriate for after school providers for use with upper elementary and middle school students. The series of activities introduces quantum scale, quantum properties and quantum computing. The activities are short enough to fit in an hour long session and build on each other. Best of all, the activities and materials to complete them are FREE! Please join us to learn about the five activities included in the kit and a little bit about quantum. If you like what you see, you can register to receive a kit.
Join us for a free three-day Restorative Justice training hosted at Missoula County Public Schools. This hands-on training led by the National Center for Restorative Justice will bring together educators, out-of-school time professionals, community organizations, families, and youth to learn about implementing restorative practices. Spots are limited!
Join us to hear local needs and opportunities for Artificial Intelligence (AI). Together we will center community voice, build a community-informed vision for AI readiness, identify best practices, and share resources for Montana schools & youth- serving programs. Limited travel scholarships and regional lead stipends are available.
Who Should Attend:
Educators & school leaders
Tribal & rural representatives
Local Businesses
Out-of-school-time providers
Community members, caregivers & parents
Youth
Salish Kootenai College
Register at: https://bit.ly/42mVBx5
Join us to hear local needs and opportunities for Artificial Intelligence (AI). Together we will center community voice, build a community-informed vision for AI readiness, identify best practices, and share resources for Montana schools & youth- serving programs. Limited travel scholarships and regional lead stipends are available.
Who Should Attend:
Educators & school leaders
Tribal & rural representatives
Local Businesses
Out-of-school-time providers
Community members, caregivers & parents
Youth
Ft. Peck Community College
Register at: https://bit.ly/3JXz3wy
Join us to hear local needs and opportunities for Artificial Intelligence (AI). Together we will center community voice, build a community-informed vision for AI readiness, identify best practices, and share resources for Montana schools & youth- serving programs. Limited travel scholarships and regional lead stipends are available.
Who Should Attend:
Educators & school leaders
Tribal & rural representatives
Local Businesses
Out-of-school-time providers
Community members, caregivers & parents
Youth
Harlem Public Library
Register at: https://bit.ly/4mTMUCB
This hands-on grant writing workshop is designed to help you discover, apply for, and secure grant funding to support innovative projects. Although geared towards school personnel, it will be valuable for non-school programs as well. Leave equipped with tools, knowledge, and confidence to begin writing winning grants!
Willson Building (Bozeman School District), 2nd Floor Library/Board Room
Use promo code ‘G4U25’ to receive a 20% discount.
This hands-on grant writing workshop is designed to help you discover, apply for, and secure grant funding to support innovative projects. Although geared towards school personnel, it will be valuable for non-school programs as well. Leave equipped with tools, knowledge, and confidence to begin writing winning grants!
University of Montana, University Center (UC), 3rd Floor, Rooms 330–331
Use promo code ‘G4U25’ to receive a 20% discount.
STEM Summer Institute
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT
More details to follow soon.
Save the date! We are hosting the 5th Montana STEM Summit on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Great Northern Hotel in Helena, MT! Join partners from across the state to discuss, highlight and showcase STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning opportunities.
Registration information for this no-cost event will be available soon. Interested in participating in the event or have a program you would like to highlight contact: heather@mtafterschoolalliance.org.
Check out past Montana STEM Summits at https://www.montana.edu/smrc/stemsummit.html
Join us for our very first Sip and Share, a virtual discussion about program funding on Tuesday, January 28th at 11:00 AM. At this gathering we will highlight funding resources, share tips with one another, and support each other through the challenges and successes of program funding. Whether you’re just getting started or are an OST funding pro, all are welcome to connect, ask questions, and share your experiences.
In this session, we will discuss what is hypersonics, how fast is fast, potential career opportunities within the hypersonics field, and how it all ties to the Hypersonics STEM Curriculum. The Hypersonics STEM Curriculum is a collection of lessons for grades 3-12 that infuse hypersonics into Next Generation Science Standards aligned STEM content including mathematics, physical science, biological sciences, earth space science, and engineering design. This session will be interactive, and participants will do one of the activities from the How Fast is Hypersonics lesson.
The call will spotlight the innovative work of the Headwaters Tech Hub and opportunities across the state.
On the call participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the Headwaters Tech Hub and beyond from inspiring guest speakers including:
Tim VanReken, Ph.D., Headwaters Tech Hub
Dani Buehler, AccelerateMT
Suzi Taylor, MSU Science Math Resource Center
Jason Yager, Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance
Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqfu-orT4sH9IIiyU_ar0hcWWdLOHmJ12m
Hosted by School Services of Montana and MSU, the 6th Annual STEM Summer Institute is a one-of-a-kind, Montana-made showcase for STEM integration across all grades and subject areas. The interactive agenda is designed to help educators:
PLAN STEM learning environments using tools, strategies, and models to motivate and encourage increased STEM integration in K-12 classrooms;
IMPLEMENT ready-to-use, STEM-based projects through authentic, hands-on experiences to model and enable use of best practices for STEM teaching and learning;
REIMAGINE STEM learning through whole-child approaches to give future STEM leaders a more well-rounded view of themselves and their communities
Join us for a chance to hear from neighboring states and national initiative leaders to learn more about the power of STEM ecosystems. Through a panel discussion, hear about how STEM ecosystems are shaping STEM education in their regional communities. Gain insights into best practices, challenges, and opportunities for building and sustaining advancements in STEM learning opportunities and the next steps for the Montana STEM Ecosystem.
Join us for two days of high-quality professional development, as well as time to connect with and learn from your peers at the Finlen Hotel in Butte, MT.
Montana Afterschool Alliance, ACT Now Coalition, Vermont Afterschool, Inc., North Dakota Afterschool Network, Ohio Afterschool Network, and Beyond School Bells are hosting a two-day virtual conference, shining a spotlight on resources, strategies and inspiration to boost out-of-school-time (OST) STEM programming. Sessions will elevate resources available through the Million Girls Moonshot Initiative, unique STEM program models and provide actionable steps for OST professionals to:
● Introduce high quality curriculum options that challenge youth to problem solve with curiosity and creativity,
● Increase equity in STEM programming
● Implement facilitation methods to promote an engineering mindset and positive STEM identity in youth.
The no-cost virtual conference will provide opportunities for OST professionals to network with peers from across the country, engage with speakers committed to supporting others in designing enriching STEM activities beyond the classroom and ignite excitement to help youth explore STEM and all the ways it can inspire and set their lives up for success!
Montana Afterschool Alliance, ACT Now Coalition, Vermont Afterschool, Inc., North Dakota Afterschool Network, Ohio Afterschool Network, and Beyond School Bells are hosting a two-day virtual conference, shining a spotlight on resources, strategies and inspiration to boost out-of-school-time (OST) STEM programming. Sessions will elevate resources available through the Million Girls Moonshot Initiative, unique STEM program models and provide actionable steps for OST professionals to:
● Introduce high quality curriculum options that challenge youth to problem solve with curiosity and creativity,
● Increase equity in STEM programming
● Implement facilitation methods to promote an engineering mindset and positive STEM identity in youth.
The no-cost virtual conference will provide opportunities for OST professionals to network with peers from across the country, engage with speakers committed to supporting others in designing enriching STEM activities beyond the classroom and ignite excitement to help youth explore STEM and all the ways it can inspire and set their lives up for success!
Join the Museum of the Rockies as they share resources available to programs, including virtual education opportunities to bring the museum to life at your site.
Join staff from the Holter Museum of Art to learn about resources available to programs and the engaging learning opportunities they offer with ArtFeeds and Art for Survival.
Join the MSU Math and Science Resource Center along with the Montana Afterschool Alliance for a closer look at exploring Montana’s land uses. Attendees can apply to receive a free place-based science exploration kit to use at their site.
Join us for a launch celebration and an overview of the key findings presented in the 2023 Montana STEM Summit Report!
Brought to you by the Montana Afterschool Alliance and MSU Science Math Resource Center with members of the planning committee from ExplorationWorks!, Helena SACC, MAPS Media Institute, Montana Afterschool Alliance, and UM spectrUM Discovery Area.
NBA Math Hoops leverages the game of basketball and the NBA/WNBA brands to build fundamental math and social-emotional skills through a physical and digital basketball-themed board game, a curriculum, and a community program experience. Designed for students in grades 4-8, this free program develops students’ algebra readiness prior to entering high school, while strengthening important skills including self-regulation and executive function.
During the virtual training, our trainer will guide you through your season and program experience. Once the training is completed, games will be sent straight to the shipping address provided free of cost.
Learn family engagement strategies and collect resources and activities from STEAM youth programs around the state! You will get to experience STEAM activities designed for family engagement by these programs, and take home instructions and other resources to implement them in your program!
2 OPI renewal units available
Learn family engagement strategies and collect resources and activities from STEAM youth programs around the state! You will get to experience STEAM activities designed for family engagement by these programs, and take home instructions and other resources to implement them in your program!
2 OPI renewal units available
Join us online from 12-12:45 pm on Thursday, October 26th to celebrate Lights on Afterschool Day and learn more about the collaboration and partnerships between school districts, community organizations, and out-of-school time providers featured in the MT Afterschool Community Spotlight Report.
Learn family engagement strategies and collect resources and activities from STEAM youth programs around the state! You will get to experience STEAM activities designed for family engagement by these programs, and take home instructions and other resources to implement them in your program!
2 OPI renewal units available
This transformative training is grounded in the Healthy Environments and Response to Trauma in Schools (HEARTS) framework. This training provides staff with a foundational understanding of trauma-informed practices and includes examples of strategies that can aid staff in creating a culture of belonging, improving mental health and alleviating behavior issues.
This is a 2-day virtual training and both days must be attended. We encourage you to attend this training as a team - program directors with your front line staff. These strategies are most effective when the entire team is using them together. However, if you cannot all attend together, it's still beneficial for you to learn and use individually.
8 OPI renewal units available
