Miles Community College has been included in the U.S. FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act that will bring more than $77 million to Montana. President Barack Obama signed the bill into law on March 11, 2009. Approximately $6 million has been dedicated to eastern Montana projects that range from highway construction, education, healthcare, wastewater treatment and housing assistance. Miles Community College will receive $95,000 to expand its Pathways to Careers in Health Care initiative; funding to develop additional health care program education for rural Montana workforce development.

MCC President Stefani Gray Hicswa credits the funding success to the tremendous support from U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester and U.S. House of Representatives Congressman Denny Rehberg. The College administration has worked diligently with the Montana senators and congressman and their exceptional legislative staff over the past three years and greatly appreciate their strong advocacy.

"With the additional funding for the Pathways to Careers in Healthcare project, MCC is granted the opportunity to build onto our excellent health science curriculum," exclaims President Hicswa. "We extend our greatest appreciation to Senator Baucus, Senator Tester, and Congressman Rehberg for their encouragement and backing of higher education and eastern Montana economic development.