After a successful and informative Advisory Committee Retreat at Montana Technological University last month, we at the Campus Network for Civic Engagement office are in affiliation season and summer is the time of year we get set up for all of our programs, grants, initiative and scholarships. We’ve sent affiliation agreements out to our campuses, and are available to orient new Advisory Committee members, CEOs and staff and faculty interested in the network and its programs. Please reach out to schedule, or with any questions (vanek@mtengage.org).
Last Call
9/11 Day of Service Grants Due on June 26
Our Montana Campus Network is part of the national Alliance for Campus Community Engagement, and through that partnership our campuses are able to apply for up to $2500 in funding to support 9/11 Day of Service projects! The deadline to apply is June 26th, 2026. More information and application link: https://mtengage.org/press-releases/
Our Campus Corps Program is a direct service AmeriCorps program focused on addressing student food security and student belonging on college campuses across Montana. We are recruiting for members for MSU Bozeman, Aaniiih Nakoda College, Salish Kootenai College, Chief Dull Knife College, and Blackfeet Community College!
Food Access & Outreach Coordinator
This AmeriCorps member will help Aaniiih Nakoda College grow its Food Lodge, free lunch program, and campus garden, while running cooking demonstrations that reduce stigma around food assistance. They’ll also map local food resources, track data on student retention, and plan cultural and belonging-focused events that support ANC students long-term.
Food Access Coordinator
Serve as a Food Access Coordinator with Chief Dull Knife College and the Northern Cheyenne Food Pantry, leading efforts to expand campus food pantry hours, build referral systems, and connect student volunteers with elders and traditional food practices through Bluebird Lifeways. This Campus Corps position combines hands-on community work, from cattle donations to beekeeping, with civic engagement that strengthens ties between the college and the broader Northern Cheyenne community.
Food Access Coordinator
The Food Access Coordinator position will lead weekly cooking demos, expand pantry hours, run a major food drive, and build a system to track pantry use and inventory. Beyond the pantry, they will map local food resources for students, run twice-monthly community events with CSKT leaders, and create a partner directory connecting SKC to nonprofits and organizations across the region.
Many of our colleges and universities across the state are hosting VISTA projects to expand their capacities to meet students basic needs, grow community partnerships and support student engagement and completion. These 1 Year projects begin in August 2026 and are rapidly filling with qualified candidates. Some current service opportunities include:
Student Success and Resource Coordinator in Sčilíp
Dixon School District is seeking an AmeriCorps VISTA member to expand fundraising and grant-writing capacity for academic, infrastructure, and STEM initiatives while strengthening community partnerships. The role also includes conducting a basic needs assessment, improving food security for students and families, and developing a daycare access survey and a local Native language partnership with Salish Kootenai College.
Strategic Communications & Outreach Coordinator in Helena
The Montana Work-Based Learning Collaborative is looking for a VISTA member to develop marketing and digital media resources that help expand work-based learning opportunities for youth across the state. This position is a strong fit for anyone looking to build a portfolio in communications, social media strategy, and partnership management within a statewide network of 30+ public and private organizations.
Cultural Education Developer in Lame Deer
The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation is seeking a VISTA member to develop cultural enrichment programming for Cheyenne youth, strengthening community connections to language, customs, and elders. This role builds experience in grant writing, program development, and Indigenous community outreach.
These are 1 year positions that run August 10, 2026 – August 9, 2027. These are great opportunities for recent graduates that are wanting to get some resume building experience, while serving their community!
Living Allowance: $24,962 (distributed every two weeks) Education Award: $7,395 can be used to pay for current college tuition, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans upon successfully completing term of service.
Pictured above are VISTA members serving at Cultivating Connections in Hamilton! MCNCE welcomed our Summer VISTA members at the beginning of June and we are excited for what they have in store for their service terms! This year, MCNCE is hosting 25 members across 8 universities and nonprofits! Members will be serving projects across the state that address food insecurity, music and art education, higher-education readiness, community outreach, youth development, and so much more! Members gathered for their first day of service here at the University of Montana to meet one another, learn about their projects, and of course, complete the Oath of Service! Keep a lookout for more summer highlights from our crews!
Advisory Committee Retreat and
Incoming Chairs
Dr. Richard Deshields, VP for Student Engagement and Auxiliary Services at Miles Community College and Madeline Thomas, Director of Student Life at Montana Technological University have accepted roles as the Campus Network’s Advisory Committee Chair and Vice Chair respectively. As chairs, Richard and Madeline will lead a statewide group of staff and faculty members, charged with putting the Campus Network’s mission into action. We’re excited for a great year with these two dynamic leaders. Thanks for stepping up!
What motivates students to attend college—and how does that motivation shape their educational experience? New research from the LearningWell Coalition and AAC&U finds that students’ reasons for pursuing higher education are closely connected to their participation in internships, mentoring, service-learning, undergraduate research, learning communities, and other educational experiences associated with student success and well-being.
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