Educators are innovators.
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Educators are innovators. *
Origins
Jackie and Megan Thompson began with three donations to the Powell County Literacy Program. Moose Lodge gave $55, Rotary gave $50 and Kiwanis gave $50. With that $155 beginning, the Powell County Literacy Program has evolved into a necessary part of our community fabric.
The program began with an all-volunteer staff of four tutors. Megan ensured that the tutors were provided quality education through Literacy Volunteers of America. By 1994, she had successfully recruited and trained 17 volunteer tutors for the program. In 1994, Megan was accepted into the VISTA program under AmeriCorps. This allowed her to collect a $600/mo stipend. Megan’s VISTA position was cut in 1996 at the Federal level. At that time, Megan began work with our county commissioners, Jerry Claussen and Jules Weber, to explore alternative funding for the program. Together the group chose to use their authority to collect on the mill set in place for Public Education. It is through that mill, that our program is primarily funded.
Over the years, the Literacy Program has expanded through OPI grants, private funding, and generous in-kind donations. This support enables us to provide TABE assessment services, Adult Basic Education materials, and updated technology to directly support our students.
When traditional learning was disrupted during the pandemic, we pivoted to secure modern technology and virtual learning tools. This transition revealed a powerful insight: for our rural, working community, virtual education removes geographic barriers and opens doors for students who previously couldn't access our center.
Through Google Suite and our partnership with Butte Career High, we now serve students across Garrison, Avon, Elliston, Helmville, Ovando, Gold Creek, and Racetrack with the same efficiency as those in Deer Lodge. For working adults, this offers the flexibility to learn at their own pace—anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection.
Stronger Together: Our Community Partnerships
Our collaborative network extends across several key local organizations to provide comprehensive resources for our students and community:
ESL Classes: Delivered in partnership with Butte Career High.
Career Readiness: A consultant from Job Service Butte visits our classroom monthly to offer one-on-one help with job searches and interview prep.
Flexible HiSET Prep: Tailored pathways to HiSET preparation
Personalized Appointments: These include tech consults, scholarship support, and more!
Tutoring: We now have the ability to help homeschool students and adults with tutoring through EdReady.
Support Beyond Just Education: Toys for Tots donates books for community events and keeps our family corner stocked, allowing parents to focus on studying while their children remain entertained. We also have a stocked snack cabinet in the office to help with the barrier to food insecurity getting in the way of your education! The Council of Aging also helps us provide transportation to HiSET testing for folks who are not able to drive themselves. We also have a sponsorship program thanks to the Deer Lodge Women’s Club to help cover fees associated with HiSET testing! The program also keeps in contact with other providers of services to make sure if there is a roadblock we can help you find folks who can help!
Some of these services are:
Victims Services
Ability
End Overdose
Action Inc
In addition to all of this, we are continually expanding our service offerings—including upcoming continuing education and life-skills classes.
Looking Ahead
We invite you to visit our center and take the next step toward your educational and career goals. Whether you are ready to enroll, looking for a book recommendation, or interested in volunteering to make a difference, our doors are always open
“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.”
“If we want to achieve our goal, then let us empower ourselves with the weapon of knowledge and let us shield ourselves with unity and togetherness.”
“Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
Powell County Literacy Program Mission Statement:
Believing that every person has a purpose, value, and potential, the Powell County Literacy Program provides free instruction to adults and out-of-school youth to improve their basic skills, attain the HiSET, transition to post-secondary education, and/or improve employment status.
Powell County Literacy Program Guiding Principles:
Potential – We believe every person has a purpose, value, and potential and should be treated with dignity and respect.
Commitment to Service – we value integrity and regard for others while providing quality services in a courteous, student-focused manner.
Learning – We believe that learning is a lifelong experience. We honor the knowledge and experience that adult learners bring with them. We acknowledge and encourage different learning styles.
Partnership – We believe in a partnership between the teacher and the learner, sharing the responsibility of learning through planning, decision making, and goal setting.