Welcome to the Montana ASPIRE Conference!

Welcome to the Montana ASPIRE Conference!

Join us for an enriching experience at the Montana ASPIRE Conference, where education, collaboration, and inspiration come together. February 22-24, 2026, Polson, MT.

REGISTER HERE

Conference Highlights:
February 22-24, 2026
Red Lion Ridgewater Inn & Suites, Polson, MT.

Reserve your room for the conference rate of $120 + tax by calling 406-872-2200. Room block closes on February 7, 2026. Hotel Information – Red Lion Ridgewater Inn & Suites 

Pre-Conference Events:

1. Best Practices and Data Driven Results in UB/UBMS:

• February 22, 2026, 9am-4:00pm
• Who should attend? New and Continuing Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math Science Programs (All UB and UBMS Writing Teams/Staff, Grants Office)
  Identify key components of a successful proposal and highlight common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid
  • Help Institutions of Higher Ed gain more federal dollars for college access and success
  • Gain valuable insights into the proposal development process for writing stronger proposals
  • Learn from new and experienced writers

REGISTER HERE

2. Montana TRIO & ASPIRE Newcomer Presentation

• February 22, 2026, 3:00pm-4:30pm
• Hosted by Montana ASPIRE Reps at Large and the Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI),this presentation will help you learn more about how TRIO came to be, the different programs throughout our state, and what ASPIRE is, so you feel more familiar with Montana ASPIRE before the upcoming conferences. TRIO professionals with 3 years or less experience working with TRIO programs are strongly encouraged to register and attend.

REGISTER HERE

Schedule of Events:

Sunday, February 22

5:00-6:00 pm: Conference Welcome

Monday, February 23

9:30 AM: Keynote Speaker

10:45 AM: SKC Campus Tour

12 -1:30 PM: Lunch Provided

1:30 PM: MT ASPIRE Business Meeting

2:45 PM: COE/Dept. of Education Updates

4:00-6:00 PM: Campfire Chats

5:00-6:00 PM: Travel/Free time

6:00-8:00 PM: Banquet

8:00-10:00 PM: Entertainment

Tuesday, February 24

9:00 AM: Breakout Sessions

10:15 – 11:15 AM: Montana ASPIRE Meeting II

11:15 – 12:15 PM: Plenary: MT Alumni Initiative

12:15- 1:30 PM: TRIO Achiever’s Lunch

1:30 – 1:45 PM: Conference Close/Silent Auction Pay/Pick-up

**Registration Information:**
Secure your spot today by registering for the Montana ASPIRE Conference. Go to this registration link REGISTRATION Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of a transformative educational event.

We look forward to welcoming you to Polson, Montana, for a conference that promises growth, collaboration, and the advancement of educational excellence. See you there!