Mid May Update
AGED ADMIN
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, there are several important updates and opportunities for agricultural educators across Montana.
Perkins V & CLNA Reminder
The Perkins V application is due June 30, 2026, and this cycle includes completion of the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA). This is a critical year for evaluating your program’s strengths, gaps, and alignment with workforce needs. Be sure to allow adequate time to gather stakeholder input and complete all required components.
Fillable forms and supporting documents can be found on the OPI website under:
Educators → Teaching & Learning → Career and Technical Education
Advancing Ag Grant Opportunity
Teachers are encouraged to apply for the Advancing Ag Funds, which support innovation and enhancement in agricultural education programs. Applications are available through the MAgNet site under Grant Applications, with a deadline of March 2027. These funds are a great opportunity to invest in program growth, equipment, and student experiences.
New Pathways Implementation
Updated agricultural education pathways will be implemented during the 2026–27 school year. Now is the time to review your current offerings and ensure alignment with the new structure. If you need support revitalizing or restructuring your pathways, please reach out—assistance is available. NEW PATHWAYS
Future Ready Payments & Credential Alignment
Schools will begin receiving Future Ready payments in the 2026–27 school year. To maximize these opportunities, educators should review the Credential Registry on the Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) website to identify industry-recognized credentials that can be embedded into your courses. Aligning instruction with these credentials will be key to meeting program requirements and enhancing student outcomes.
MAAE Summer Update – Credential Integration Support
At the upcoming MAAE Summer Update, we will feature two presenters who will demonstrate how their platforms can be effectively used to help students earn recognized credentials. These sessions will provide practical tools and strategies you can implement directly in your classroom.
If you have questions about Perkins, pathways, credentials, or program development, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you in delivering high-quality agricultural education across Montana.
During the MAAE Conference, iCEV invites all educators to sit for a certification exam. By taking the exam of your choice, you can earn a certification for free and see what to expect on the exam. The exam will be offered during a session at the conference. All interested educators will receive access to iCEV’s certification preparation materials and will get to choose which certification they would like to take. The AMSA Meat Evaluation Certification is also approved on the Montana Credential Registry [montanaworks.gov] and will be available to complete as a selected exam option.
If you’re interested in completing a certification exam, please fill out this form [icevonline.com]. For the Conference/Event Name, please enter MAAE Conference. Registration will close one week before the conference begins. When you submit this form, we’ll set up an iCEV account for you, where you can begin preparing for the exam.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Amber Bergdall at Amber.B...@icevonline.com , or Robin Reiling at robin....@icevonline.com.
We look forward to attending and see you soon!
Thanks,
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Robin Reiling Certifications & Educational Partnerships Manager
Company | 800.922.9965 Cell | 623.703.4581
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Apply for Up to $5,000 for Your Chapter |
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Only one week left to apply for the Grants for Growing program. This competitive grant program is for middle and high school FFA chapters that are developing and improving project-based or experiential learning opportunities for students. FFA chapters may apply for up to $5,000 [nationalffaorganization.acemlnb.com] through the program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company. Applications close Friday, May 15. |
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National FFA Seeks Judges Like You! |
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Support FFA members from around the nation and learn about their projects, research, community service and more. Each year, thousands of judges are needed to select national finalists and national winners. We are currently seeking online judges to help us review applications across several programs. Click here [nationalffaorganization.acemlnb.com] to create a profile on our volunteer site to be invited to the opportunities that match your desired involvement. For questions regarding judging, email jud...@ffa.org. 
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