Youth Program Schedules for Fall 2026

Looking to get started with our programs?
Drop-ins are welcome for any session!

Youth Programs Registration Form
Youth Programs Registration Form

Community Club locations will be shared upon registration confirmation.

Middle Schoolers at Target Range (Grades 6–8 | All Identities)

Time: 12pm to 12:40pm (lunch time)

Start date: October 5th

October: 5, 12 (No meeting – Indigenous Peoples' Day), 19, 26

November: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

December: 7

This is a welcoming program, high-energy space where middle schoolers build confidence, discover their leadership potential, and make lasting friendships. Through interactive activities, group discussions, and team-building exercises, participants learn how to navigate social dynamics, stand up for themselves and others, and create positive change in their schools and communities. Join us to unlock your unique strengths and take center stage in your own story!

High Schoolers (Grades 9–12 / Ages 14–18 | LGBTQ+)

Time: 4:30 pm to 6:00pm

Start date: October 7th

November: 14

December: 2

This program is an empowering, youth-led space for LGBTQ+ high schoolers looking to connect, lead, and build community. Whether you want to gain leadership skills, advocate for inclusive spaces, or simply relax in an affirming environment with peers who understand your journey, Youth Forward gives you the tools and platform to shape your future and lead the way.

Middle Schoolers (Grades 6–8 | LGBTQ+ & Allies)

Time: 4:30 pm to 6:00pm

Start date: September 29th

October: 6, 13, 20, 27

November: 3, 10, 17, 24

December: 1, 8

This program offers a safe, celebratory, and affirming environment where LGBTQ+ middle schoolers and allies can show up as their authentic selves. Centered on peer support, self-expression, and community building, this group provides fun, hands-on activities, discussions, and resources that foster resilience, pride, and belonging. Step into a community that celebrates exactly who you are!

Middle Schoolers & High Schoolers (Grades 6–12 | Ages 11-18)

Time: 4:30pm to 6:00pm

Start Date: October 14th
November: Meeting as scheduled (due to Veterans Day)
December: 9

This program is a dedicated affinity group designed by and for Black, Indigenous, and Youth of Color. ABY provides a supportive, culturally affirming space to build community, explore identity, celebrate heritage, and discuss shared experiences. Connect with mentors and peers, share your story, and help foster a community where every young person truly belongs.

Youth Programs & Events Calendar

If you have any questions or need an accommodation, please contact our Director of Leadership and Engagement: janaina@empowermt.org

Photo Credit: Alex Kim Photography

Empowering Youth Leadership Institute

Empowering Youth Leadership Institute is a FREE 3-day leadership camp offered to young people across Montana— incoming 9th graders and above. Facilitated by our Youth Advisory Council, participants engage in a curriculum that empowers positive identity development, critically analyzes systemic inequities, and equips participants with leadership skills to interrupt oppression through policy advocacy, positive communication skills, conflict solution strategies, relationship building, fostering belonging, and cultivating resilience.

EmpowerMT has hosted the Institute at beautiful Seeley Lake, Montana to center nature as a healing-centered strategy for 18 summers, equipping almost 700 young people with the skills, confidence, and connections to create positive change within themselves, their schools, and their communities. 

Spots still open! Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

➡️ contactyouth@empowermt.org with questions

2026 Application Form

EmpowerMT’s Youth Leadership Pathway

At EmpowerMT, every step of your leadership journey matters. Our Youth Leadership Pathway is rooted in Belonging, Meaning, Wellbeing, and Purpose. We are here to support youth goals to grow as a leader within our organization and beyond! Key opportunities to grow include becoming:

Emerging Leader: Someone who has completed an EmpowerMT program, general training, or advanced leadership training. An emerging leader acts as a support person during training and workshops.

Advancing Leader: Someone who has completed an Advanced Leadership Training and is ready to facilitate at least two to three EmpowerMT training components, co-leading with a Senior Leader.

Senior Leader: Someone who has developed enough skills to lead any EmpowerMT training component, as well as assist in outline development, planning, and implementation of the training..

Interested in how to strengthen youth and adult partnerships at your youth-serving organization or school?

We provide skill-building workshops & consulting.

Request Services

Photo Credit: Alex Kim Photography

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

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

Photo Credit: Alex Kim Photography

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