Montana Council for Economic Education

06/19/2026

That’s a wrap on two days of incredible learning for our economics and business teachers! 🎉

Over June 18–19, teachers dove deep into topics that matter — from demystifying FICO credit scores and applying economics to current Montana events, to AI in education and building resilience to beat burnout. We explored personal finance, critical thinking with technology, and even took a field trip to Gibson Guitars! 🎸

None of this happens without the extraordinary people who showed up to share their expertise. Huge gratitude to our speakers, to Montana State University for hosting, and most importantly — to the teachers who invested two full days into growing their craft for Montana students. 🙌

The learning doesn’t stop here. Follow along all school year at econedmontana.org and on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more opportunities to connect and grow.

06/18/2026

First Place Montana Economics Challenge winners in David Ricardo Division from Frenchtown High School and coached by Ryan Goris.

Thanks to First Interstate Bank for sponsoring the competition along with BNSF and the Montana Financial Education Coalition.

First Interstate Bank bnsfrailway MFEC - Montana Financial Education Coalition

06/18/2026

First Place Big Sky Biz Sim winners from Frenchtown High School coached by Ryan Goris and joined by the generous sponsors from First Interstate Bank.

06/17/2026

Celebrating the top AA Class School in the 2026 Spring Stock Market Game from Sentinel High School in Missoula coached by Andrea Blouin.

The students are joined by sponsors from First Security Bank – Missoula. Thanks for bringing this investment education program to Montana schools!

06/17/2026

First Place Winners in the Spring 2026 Montana Stock Market Game from Hellgate High School.

Thanks to the sponsors from First Security Bank – Missoula.

06/16/2026

1st Place Montana Personal Finance Challenge winners from Hellgate High School, coached by Steven Klimkiewicz.

These students represented Montana at the National Personal Finance Challenge in Atlanta with the strongest performance in memory for a Montana school.

Thanks to the sponsors - FICO, First Interstate Bank, BNSF, Montana Financial Education Coalition, and Stockman Bank.

06/16/2026

1st Place Montana Economics Champions in the Adam Smith Division from Hellgate High School, coached by Steven Klimkiewicz (left) and First Interstate Bank sponsor Ryan Jones (right).

06/15/2026

Stock Market Game success with the 2nd place team out of over 700 teams competing!

The students from Skyview are joined by coach Jordan Hasquet and MCEE board member Ken Laddusaw. All team fees and the $400 cash prize sponsored by Western Security Bank.

06/15/2026

Students from Billings West coached by Tera Burch celebrate their success with Most Improved Team in the Spring 2026 Stock Market Game.

The simulation is sponsored by Western Security Bank with President Katie Edwards, pictured right. MCEE board member Ken Laddusaw pictured left.

05/19/2026

Wow, we are humbled by our partners in our mission to improve economic and financial literacy for Montana's youth. Thank you First Interstate Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines for this generous support.

We are inspired to accomplish even more with such committed community leaders by our side as we make a positive impact for students and teachers, and their future!

Students who understand economics and personal finance are better prepared to make informed decisions — and stronger communities start with that foundation.

Our Montana teams presented a $17,250 grant to the Montana Council for Economic Education (MCEE) through our partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) and its Member Impact Fund — a matching program that helps us invest more in the organizations shaping our state's future.

Since 1970, MCEE has been empowering K–12 educators and inspiring students with the knowledge and skills to make informed economic and financial decisions. Their reach spans every corner of Montana — including rural communities where access to quality resources matters most 🧡

Here's how MCEE makes a difference:
• Professional development — training and workshops that equip teachers to bring real-world economics into the classroom
• Student-focused programs — hands-on experiences covering budgeting, saving, entrepreneurship, and global markets
• Statewide accessibility — ensuring educators across Montana have meaningful resources regardless of location
• Competitions and engagement — connecting students with practical skills they'll use for a lifetime

We're proud to support an organization that multiplies impact through educators — reaching thousands of students each year and helping build a generation of financially confident Montanans.



Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.