Outreach

At the Gianforte School of Computing, we believe computer science can be a tool to help all people do what they love to do better, for everything from trying to find an elusive pattern in data to helping conserve water in agriculture. Our faculty are using computing to help solve real-world problems, and we'd love for you join us! If you're looking for inspiration, check out Hunter Lloyd's How to Train your Robot presentation, above, and please reach out to Keri Hallau, our Outreach Coordinator, if you'd like Mr. Lloyd and his robot friends to visit your school and inspire the next generation of problem solvers!

For Students

Groups & Clubs

• Calling all Middle School girls in Montana! Code Girls United is a year-long program where you'll learn how to build apps with drag-and-drop coding and apply your new-found knowledge to help solve a real-world problem in your community! Find a Code Girls United chapter near you and learn more!
• Are you a LEGO or robotics enthusiast? You might enjoy FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Consider joining an existing FIRST program near you. Don't see a FIRST program in your area? Learn how to start a local FIRST chapter!
• The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT)Aspirations in Computing (AiC) community engages, inspires, and supports thousands of high school and college students who want to change the world. Join this community of like-minded women, genderqueer, and non-binary people in tech for FREE!
• Science Olympiad is the premier team STEM competition in the nation, providing standards-based challenges to middle and high school teams. Join the Montana Science Olympiad.
• Montana 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth development program in the state. Learn about how you can join, volunteer, or donate to this MSU Extension program.

Exploring & Learning

• Check out these little robots that respond to (screen-free!) color codes using common markers or can be programmed with block-based coding: Ozobots.
• Explore free online coding activities for all levels, including Hour of Code modules at code.org.
• Meet the small-but-mighty BBC micro:bit; an inexpensive physical computing device that packs a lot of tech punch in an adorable-but-capable package. 

For Teachers

Professional Development Opportunities

• The Montana STEM Summit is the largest and longest-running STEM convening of cross-sector partners in the state. Generally held in April (date for 2026 not yet released).
• Montana STEM Summer Institute: The MSU Science Math Resource Center  and School Services of Montana  will host the annual Montana STEM Summer Institute, supporting educators with the advancement of teaching and learning in STEM! July 28-30, 2025 at MSU-Bozeman.
• Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) Summer Institute: June 16-19, 2025 at MSU-Bozeman.
• The MSU Science Math Resources maintains this Educator Professional Development and Resources list.

Resources

• Explore videos for students, by students exploring social and ethical issues relevant to K-12 learners. Videos are short and concise; they can easily fit into your curriculum and deliver this important content in a compelling and novel way. 
• Join CSTA MT! The Montana chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association endeavors to build a network of teachers from across the state to share ideas and resources, connect educators with professional development opportunities, and increase access to CS concepts in classrooms throughout MT. NOTE: scholarships available to cover the $50 membership fee!
• Do you want to teach CS in MT, but you're not sure what is required? Learn about the licensure requirements for the secondary level from the Office of Public Instruction.
• Join the monthly Brainstorms! newsletter of the Montana STEM Educator Network.