The 2023 legislative session saw a handful of bills regarding education pass, including House Bill 257, sponsored by Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, a Kalispell Republican. Gianforte signed the legislation, which boosts the money available to students looking to explore career fields through hands-on internships and work experiences, into law last year.

Schools everywhere should be doing this, said Assistant Superintendent Peter Fusaro. It brings more joy, more opportunities, and more voice and choice to students, he said.

Glacier High School has 44 kids in internships this semester, according to Mike Kelly, the district’s work-based learning coordinator.

Daily Inter Lake: Gianforte talks internships, work experience at Glacier High School