This year’s workshops are designed to inspire, inform, and ignite your potential—whether you'reexploring careers, developing new skills, or diving into your personal passions. From fly fishing and photography to cybersecurity, leadership, and wellness, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and make the most of these interactive, hands-on opportunities led by professionals from around campus and across Montana. 

Check out the condenced workshop handout

Workshops will be offered during the following sessions on Thursday July 10:

  • 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM 90 Minutes 
  • 10:45 AM to 11:45 PM 60 Minutes 
  • 1:15 PM to 2:45 PM 90 Minutes 
  • 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM 60 Minutes 

Ag is Everywhere: From Food to Fabric and Beyond 

Jodi Koterba & Samantha Farret- Montana Farmers Union 

You probably interacted with agriculture a dozen times today—without even realizing it. From your breakfast to your hoodie, from flowers to flooring, ag is behind it all. 
In this high-energy, hands-on session, you’ll explore just how connected you are to agriculture. Get out of your seat and into the action as we build a concept web of ag products, natural resources, and careers—some you’ve heard of, and some that may totally surprise you. 
You’ll leave with a better understanding of the role ag plays in your life—and how you might find your future in this vast, vital industry. 

Beyond the Arches: Building Your Future with McDonald’s 

Casey Taggart & Team – McDonalds Cooperation 

Think working at McDonald’s is just flipping burgers? Think again. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll walk through the full journey from applying for your first job to exploring how a career in the world’s most iconic restaurant brand can open doors to college, leadership roles, and community impact. You’ll get to practice filling out real job applications, check out behind-the-scenes training tools, and learn how McDonald’s supports employees through programs like Archways to Opportunity which helps you earn a degree, learn English, or even finish high school. We’ll also dive into what it means to represent a brand, build professional skills, and create career paths that support your goals, family, and future. Whether you’re looking for a first job or a stepping stone into business, this workshop will help you stand out and get started! 

Crash Course: Winning at College Life 

Dr. Tricia Seifert - Montana State University College of Health and Human Development 

Ever wonder what your first semester of college will really be like? Now’s your chance to find out! In this interactive workshop, you’ll play the Success Prints board game, which simulates a student’s first semester at college. Balance your time between studying, social events, and managing stress, while figuring out how to pay tuition and navigate life’s surprises. Througout the game, you'll learn essential tips and tricks for sucess- like what office hours really mean, how to access campus resources, and keep your stress in check. By the end you will learn what campus life is really like and how to ace your first semester!  

 Digital Detectives: Dive Into Cybersecurity & Computer Hardware! 

Ronda Black - Gallatin College Information Technology 

Ever wondered what’s inside a computer, or how to stay safe online? This hands-on workshop is your chance to explore the world of IT and cybersecurity like never before! You’ll start with a fun, interactive session on online safety and why cybersecurity matters especially for teens like you. Then, get your hands dirty as you take apart a real computer, identify its hardware, and discover the tech that powers your devices. Whether you're thinking about a career in IT or just curious about how things work behind the screen, this  

Discover Your Path:  Explore Opportunities in Agriculture & Extension Education 

Dr. Shannon Arnold - MSU Department of Agriculture Education & Technology 

Ready to turn your passion into a career? Dive into a round robin-style workshop where you’ll discover exciting opportunities in Agricultural and Extension Education! 

Participants can expect to:  

  • Rate Your Passions - Rate activities you love and see how they connect with real-life careers in ag and tech education! 
  • Find Your Future: Learn how being involved in college can open doors to amazing career paths. 
  • See What’s Possible: Reflect on your interests and see if a career in agriculture and technology education is your next move. 

This interactive, hands-on session hosted by MSU’s Department of Agricultural and Technology Education is perfect for students who want to explore, connect with others, and take the first step toward a career that makes a difference! 

Enhance Your Money Game: Real Skills for Real Life 

Ty Olsen - Ag West Farm Credit Services 

Take control of your financial future with practical, real-world money skills that every teen should know. In this hands-on session led by Montana Ag West Farm Credit, you’ll learn how to create a budget that works, understand your credit report, and get prepped for major milestones like applying for a loan or meeting with a lender. Whether you’re saving for a car, thinking about college, or just want to be smarter with your cash, this workshop will help you build a solid financial foundation and boost your confidence when it comes to money matters. 

 Heavy Equipment, Big Careers: Exploring Sales & Communication with Torgerson’s 

Logan Winkler - Torgersens Equipment 

Ready to get hands-on with some heavy machinery? Join the team from Torgerson’s Equipment for a workshop that brings agriculture, construction, and forestry equipment to life. Whether you're into sales, machinery, or building lasting relationships with clients, you’ll get the inside track on what it takes to work in these industries. 

Through a mix of lecture and hands-on demonstrations, you’ll learn how communication and relationship-building skills are key to success in equipment sales. Discover how these skills apply not just in the equipment world, but across a variety of fields and see the machinery in action! Whether you're thinking about a career in sales, equipment operation, or customer service, this workshop will show you how to turn passion for tech and machinery into a rewarding career. 

Hook, Line & Cast: Learn the Secrets of Fly Fishing 

Ready to cast your line like a true Montanan? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of fly casting   from proper technique to getting the perfect cast in Montana’s wild waters. With expert guidance, you’ll practice the motions and feel the rhythm of fly fishing, preparing you for your next adventure on the river. Whether you’re just starting or want to refine your skills, this workshop will have you casting with confidence  

Hooked on Fly Tying: Crafting Lures for Success 

Get ready to reel in the knowledge and skills to craft your own fishing flies! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics of fly tying from start to finish, exploring the art of crafting custom flies that’ll make you a fishing pro. Whether you’re a total beginner or have some experience, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks for creating flies that will hook the fish every time. You’ll leave with your own set of flies ready to be cast into Montana’s iconic rivers and streams. 

Jumpstart Your College Journey: The Hilleman Scholars Advantage 

Cole Henry - MSU Hillamen Scholars Program 

Are you a Montana resident with big dreams for your future? The MSU Hilleman Scholars Program is designed to support students like you in unlocking your full academic, leadership, and career potential. This unique scholarship offers financial support, career development opportunities, and the chance to engage with a community of future leaders. In this interactive session, you’ll hear directly from current scholars and get the inside scoop on how the program can help you jumpstart your college journey   all four years covered! Join us for an engaging panel discussion, explore the benefits of becoming a Hilleman Scholar, and learn how this incredible opportunity can shape your future at MSU. 

Leadership in Action: Building Business Skills with Cooperatives 

Davey Madison - Montana Cooperative Development Center 

Want to level up your leadership and business skills? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll dive into the world of cooperatives and discover how they impact agriculture and rural communities. You’ll work in teams to solve real-world challenges, strengthen your decision-making, and boost your teamwork skills 

Level Up: Internships, Resumes & Real-Life Skills 

Toby Blake – Montana State University Jake Jabs College of Business 

Think you need a degree before you can start building your future? Think again. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to gain real experience right now through internships, job shadows, and work opportunities that can open major doors. 

You’ll also build your personal brand with tips for writing a strong resume and creating a LinkedIn profile even if you don’t have a long job history yet. Learn how to highlight what you bring to the table, from volunteer work to school projects to leadership skills. 

Finally, discover how networking isn’t just for adults. You’ll practice easy ways to make connections and build relationships with mentors, professionals, and even peers because who you know does matter, and it’s never too early to start 

Map Your Future: Unlock Your Passions and Path 

Hailey Griggs & - MSU AYCSS (Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success)/College of Agriculture 

Ready to figure out what’s next? This workshop will help you discover what you’re passionate about and how it can shape your future career or college journey. You’ll dive into fun activities that help you explore your interests, reflect on your skills, and set goals for the future. Through group discussions and hands-on exercises, you'll connect your passions to real-life career options and college programs that fit your unique strengths. Plus, you’ll get the inside scoop on university programs and career paths from the experts at MSU’s Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success and the College of Agriculture. By the end, you’ll walk away with a better idea of where you’re headed, and how to start planning for a future that excites you!  

Markets, Money & Moo: Why Economics Actually Matters 

Eric Belasco, MSU Department of Agricultural Economics 

What do gas prices, TikTok trends, and the cost of your lunch all have in common? Economics. 
In this interactive session, we’ll break down what economics really is (hint: it’s more than just money) and why it’s a game-changer for understanding how the world works—from your personal choices to global agriculture. 
Don’t worry—no economics degree required. We’ll keep it real and relevant, with examples that make sense in your everyday life. You’ll explore how decisions are made when resources are limited, why supply and demand affect everything from jeans to jerky, and how understanding these basics can give you an edge in life, school, and your future career. 

Come ready to discuss, question, and maybe even debate—because economics is everywhere, and it’s way more relevant than you think.  

MSU 101: Your Future Starts Here 

Anders Groseth & Team - Montana State University Admissions 

Curious about life as a Bobcat? This session is your all-access pass to everything Montana State University has to offer. From choosing your major to landing scholarships, we’ll break down what makes MSU a standout choice for your future. 

Get the inside scoop on academic programs, campus life, support services, and how to make your application shine. Whether you're dreaming of college life in Bozeman or just exploring your options, this is your chance to ask questions, get resources, and see what it really means to Be a Bobcat. 

Bonus: You’ll walk away with some MSU swag and tools to start planning your next steps today. 

Nature’s Warriors: Fun with Invasive Species Preventionî 

Erin Bjorklund - Invasive Species Action Network (ISAN) 

Do you love nature and want to protect it? Ever thought about a career in natural resources? Join Montana State University alum Erin Bjorklund for an interactive session on invasive species prevention. Learn about the impact of invasive species, how you can help stop their spread, and discover exciting career opportunities in natural resource management. After the discussion, jump into a fun trivia competition to test your knowledge of invasive species and win cool prizes! Plus, you’ll take home useful tools like invasive species identification materials and prevention resources, so you can continue making a difference. 

 Nursing Unlocked: Explore, Learn, and Ask 

Riley Finch and Team - Montana State University College of Nursing 

Interested in a nursing career? This session, hosted by the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing, will give you an inside look at nursing opportunities, from LPN to PhD. You’ll learn about various career paths in nursing and discover which academic programs fit your goals whether you’re interested in an Accelerated or Traditional BSN, or pursuing graduate-level degrees.  Hear from nursing professionals and faculty through an interactive panel where you can ask questions and explore the diverse career options within the field. Plus, get a sneak peek at MSU’s state-of-the-art nursing facilities and snag some cool swag! 

 Picture This: Exploring Photography 

Rachel Robecker - Rachel Ristine Photography 

Do you love being creative? Curious about where photography can take you? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll not only learn the fundamentals of photography but also dive into the business side of the industry. Whether you're into portraits, landscapes, editorial work, or commercial photography, this session will help you explore career paths and opportunities to turn your passion into a profession. 

Get ready for a photography scavenger hunt where you'll use cameras to capture images, putting your skills to the test in real-time. This is the perfect chance to gain practical experience, hone your craft, and find inspiration for your photography journey! 

Computer Science 

Loribeth Evertz - Gianforte School of Computing at Montana State University 

**Description Coming Soon** 

Working at Playing Games  

Melissa Velin - Discovery Kids Zone 

**Description Coming Soon** 

Spice It Up: Sausage-Making at the MSU Meat Lab 

Jane Boles - Montana State University College of Agriculture 

Ever wondered what really goes into making sausage and why it tastes so good? Step into the MSU Meat Lab for a hands-on food science adventure! You’ll explore the world of spices and seasonings, learn how different ingredients impact flavor and texture, and even try your hand at mixing your own unique sausage blends. From traditional to ethnic flavor profiles, you'll taste-test different combinations and see what works (and what definitely doesn’t!). You’ll also get an inside look at the equipment used in small-scale vs. industrial meat processing. 

Tech Skills for Success: Upgrade Your Digital Game! 

Schuyler Germann - MSU Extension Local Government Center 

Want to master the tech skills that will help you crush college and kick-start your career? Join us for a fun, interactive session where we’ll dive into the must-have digital tools like email etiquette, virtual meetings (Teams and Zoom), and navigating Zsuites. Plus, get a sneak peek at Excel 101 to make you an Excel wizard! You’ll walk away with tips and tricks to make you more confident online, and we’ll send extra resources after the session so you can keep leveling up your skills. This workshop is all about giving you the edge in the digital world and trust us, you’ll have fun while doing it! 

Unlock Your Color Code: Discover What Makes You, You 

Chrisitne Hodges - MSU Extension Local Government Center 

What if understanding yourself and the people around you was as easy as knowing your color? In this fun, interactive workshop, you’ll take a quick personality test and explore your unique Real Colors profile. Are you bold like Orange? Thoughtful like Blue? Analytical like Green? Or organized like Gold? You’ll discover what motivates you, how you communicate, and how to connect better with friends, family, and future coworkers. 

Through group discussion and hands-on activities, you’ll learn how to recognize each of the four personality styles and get real tools to improve teamwork, leadership, and everyday relationships. Get ready to see the world and yourself in a whole new light! 

 

** Wednesday Morning Workshops, for non-contest participants **

Elevate Your Wellness:  Play, Learn, and Shape Mental Health Conversations 

Dr. Allison Brennan – MSU Extension Mental Health Specialist 

Ready to level up your mental wellness game? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll dive into real-life wellness topics like managing stress, staying active, eating right, and knowing when to ask for help using the Mental Wellness Conversation Cards. These cards turn wellness into a fun, interactive card game while helping you learn how to have real conversations about mental health. 

But that’s not all you’ll also get the chance to make the cards even better! Share your ideas on topics, activities, or designs that would make these cards more interesting and useful for other teens like you. Your feedback will help make sure the tool is as awesome as it can be! Plus, you’ll get to take home your very own deck of cards to keep the wellness conversations going and keep learning on your own. 

Money Moves: Master Your Mindset & Manage Your Money 

Kelsey Proue & Jane Wolery- Montana 4-H Foundation 

Want to know how money really moves in your life—and in Montana 4-H? This hands-on workshop is all about how you can make your money work for you.You'll dive into how money moves through the Montana 4-H Foundation, and how your own time, talent, and treasure fit into the equation. Discover how your money mindset influences your decisions and learn simple, practical ways to improve it. You’ll practice budgeting, making smart choices, and thinking about your needs, wants, and wishes—all while having fun! 

Through activities like the “penny budget” game, you’ll get a firsthand look at how budgeting and managing money can help you reach your goals. Plus, we’ll talk about gratitude, generosity, and how these ideas can shape your future financial well-being. Join us for interactive lessons, small group discussions, and a whole lot of learning on how you can make your money move in the right direction. 

 

A very special thank you to all of our workshop presenters!