Dawson Community College – Dawson’s Promise – Glendive, MT
Position Type: VISTA
Service Commitment: April 6, 2026 – April 5, 2027
Final Application Deadline: March 6, 2026
Car Required? Recommended
Driver’s License Required? Yes
Position Summary:
Dawson’s Community College (DCC), located in Glendive Montana, first started offering classes in 1940, and since has developed into a comprehensive academic community committed to providing affordable and open access to quality teaching and learning. The foundation of Dawson Community College’s success is the uniquely talented and dedicated personnel who share a commitment to high academic standards, vibrant campus culture, and individual attention to student needs.
Dawson’s Promise, a program within DCC, seeks to ensure students aging out of foster care or experiencing homelessness have the opportunity to pursue their associate degree debt free – including room and board. Beyond the classroom, Dawson Promise works to instill important life skills to prepare participants for independent living. Since its initial conception, the program has grown and served scores of students from across Montana. By providing educational opportunities and stability to these young at-risk adults, Dawson’s Promise will be breaking the cycle of poverty and improving life outcomes for these at-risk individuals exiting the foster care system. VISTA member will be evaluating the Dawson’s Promise program in the hopes of maximizing college access and student success for a greater number of this target population moving forward.
VISTA member will assess current programming and research alternative programming improvements. VISTA member will advance this goal by evaluating the effectiveness of the current services being provided to the target at-risk population, developing a consistent screening process and developing a solid participant selection process, researching current and possible future funding sources. This will include development of improved systems, protocols and templates. The ultimate goal in mind will be to improve, grow and maximize the opportunities that are present for the young at-risk adults that are aging out of the foster care system.
Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (MCNCE) serves as the intermediary for this project. MCNCE is a coalition of colleges and universities dedicated to fostering civic engagement, service learning, and volunteerism across Montana. Led by CEOs from participating institutions, MCNCE works to improve community life and educate students on civic and social responsibility, preparing them to be thoughtful, compassionate, and engaged leaders.
Professional Skills You Will Gain
- Communications
- Curriculum Development
- Intercultural Relations
- Leadership
- Marketing
- Partnership Development
- Partnership Management
- Post-Secondary Education
- Program Assessment
- Program Development
- Public Speaking
- Rural Community Outreach
- Teamwork
- Time Management