Building Belonging, Leadership & Change

At EmpowerMT, we believe in healing-centered, youth-led leadership grounded in belonging, meaning, well-being, and purpose. From elementary classrooms to high school students, our programs equip young people with tools to understand identity, disrupt systemic oppression, and lead transformative change.

Youth & Schools

2025-2026 Youth Program Registration is on a rolling basis

Youth Programs Registration Form

Spring Semester groups will run from Feb. 2nd to May 1st

➡️ contact youth@empowermt.org with questions

Community Clubs that Foster Belonging

Youth Programs Registration Form

Community Club locations will be shared upon registration confirmation.

Weekly Mondays

Lunchtime

Target Range Middle School

(6th-8th grade)

*This is a closed group

EPIC is a youth leadership club offered after school for middle school-age youth. EPIC has been empowering young leaders in the Missoula community since 2003! The EPIC program seeks to break isolation and build allies across group lines, understand the causes of oppression, strengthen the connection to school through mentorships, and increase skills & confidence in diffusing conflict.

Weekly Mondays

4:30-6:00 PM

Open to LGBTQ+ youth

(9th-12th grade)

The mission of Youth Forward (9th-12th grade) is to provide a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit youth to connect with peers, discuss issues relevant to their lives, explore identity, and learn more about the ever-expanding LGBTQ+, Two-Spirit, & Gender diverse community and how other identities intersect. This space and the connections made within these groups are intended to empower and support queer youth leadership.

Weekly Tuesdays

4:30-6:00 PM

Open to LGBTQ+ youth AND allies

(5th-8th grade)

Middle school can feel overwhelming with new friends, challenges, and figuring out who you're becoming. Be You Crew (5th-8th grade) is a supportive community for LGBTQ+ youth AND allies to discover what makes them unique, build real friendships, and find a sense of belonging and purpose. Through fun activities and meaningful connections, youth will grow confidence, explore what matters most to them, and learn how they can make a difference in the world.

Weekly Wednesdays

4:30-6:00 PM

Open to B.I.P.O.C youth

(8th-12th grade)

EmpowerMT recognizes that being a student of color in predominantly White schools is a very isolating experience and therefore wants to give BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) middle and high school youth an opportunity to connect with each other. This group allows students of color an opportunity to feel supported in their racial identity, learn a more racially diverse and inclusive history, and take action against mistreatment/discrimination.

Youth Programs and Events Calendar

Why We Do This

Youth leadership transforms schools and communities. EmpowerMT helps dismantle oppressive systems through skill-building, youth mentorship, and collective action—seeking long-term change, equity, and justice

Youth Leadership Opportunities

We offer a full leadership pathway—

High School & Youth Advisory Council

  • Empowering Youth Leadership Institute
    A 3-day summer camp where students and educators build facilitation, inclusion, and leadership skills—at no cost. Meals, lodging, educator stipends, and OPI/PIR credits are provided.

  • Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
    Graduates of the Institute can apply to join YAC, a youth-led team that co-designs workshops, trains peers, and shapes inclusive school culture across Montana.

  • Leadership Training
    Helps students celebrate identity, unlearn bias, and practice real-world allyship to address discrimination and create change.

For Educators & Youth Workers

We offer professional development workshops that build inclusive, healing-centered school environments.

Topics include:

  • Fostering Belonging in Youth Spaces

  • LGBTQ+ Inclusion & Affirmation

  • Identity & Implicit Bias in the Classroom

Request custom trainings or join public workshops.

Request Services

GSA Network Support
Whether you're a student starting a GSA or an educator looking to strengthen one, EmpowerMT provides tools and support to help GSAs thrive.

We offer:

  • Resources for student leaders and faculty advisors

  • Facilitation and leadership training

  • Inclusion & advocacy workshops

  • Mentorship and connection to statewide youth networks

Start or Support a GSA

Voices from Our Community

“I’m always impressed by EmpowerMT’s student leaders who show us how minds and hearts can change…there’s so much we have in common.”
— Denise Juneau, former Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction

“For YAC’s future I am excited…to help others find or use their voices…and grow as a community.”
— Youth Advisory Council member

Get Involved

Whether you're a parent/guardian, student, educator, or community group—we'd love to connect

Reach out with questions or partnership ideas

Be a Part of Winter.

EmpowerMT in the spring.

Youth & Schools in the summer.

Join us in the fall.

Developing Leaders Across Montana since 1998