GMM Press Release Archive:

BNSF Railway Foundation Grants $50,000 for Graduation Matters Efforts

Friday, October 3, 2014

By Allyson Hagen
406-444-3160

Glendive, MT – On Thursday, October 2, Superintendent Denise Juneau and officials from BNSF Railway will award grants to school officials in Glasgow, Sidney, Wolf Point and Glendive for Graduation Matters efforts to improve college and career readiness.

“The BNSF Railway Foundation is proud to support Graduation Matters Montana and the innovative efforts these four communities are making to prepare today's youth for tomorrow's workforce,” said BNSF spokesperson Matt Jones.

Each community is creating a plan for the grant which includes activities such as: partnering with local colleges to offer or expand dual credit opportunities, offering financial literacy courses, expanding career exploration opportunities, creating programs that allow students to graduate with a certification or a two-year associate’s degree, reducing credit deficiencies, and supporting smooth transitions from junior high to high school.

“BNSF knows how critical it is that we graduate students from high school who are prepared for college and the workforce,” said Superintendent Juneau. “This partnership with BNSF, area colleges, and local high schools is providing us with a great opportunity to implement strategies that better equip students to succeed in life after high school and meet future workforce needs.”

The BNSF Railway Foundation supports communities by funding a wide variety of arts and social service organizations and college scholarship programs. Since 2000, the BNSF Railway Foundation has contributed over $46 million to educational, cultural and other worthy programs in communities it serves.

WHO: Superintendent Juneau, Matt Jones, Regional Director of Public Affairs, BNSF Railway, and K-12, higher education, and community leaders from Glasgow, Glendive, Sidney and Wolf Point.

WHAT: Presentation of $50,000 for community-based efforts to improve college and career readiness.

WHERE: Dawson Community College, 300 College Drive, Auxiliary Gym

WHEN: Thursday, October 2, 2:00 pm

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau launched Graduation Matters Montana in 2010. Since 2009, the graduation rate has increased from 80.7 percent to 84.4 percent, and the dropout rate has decreased from five percent to 3.6 percent. Currently, 43 communities have signed on as Graduation Matters communities. For more information about Graduation Matters Montana, visit http://graduationmatters.mt.gov. 
 

BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. You can learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com.

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