The challenge of reaching teachers and students with amazing content and learning experiences for a small non-profit organization like the Montana World Affairs Council can best be illustrated with the numbers: 1.09, 7, 56, 95.3, 12.6, 150,446!
1.09 million people in a state with 7 Indian reservations and 56 counties. 95.3% of the students are in rural school districts and 12.6% of the population live in poverty. To reach students in classrooms, staff would have to drive 150,446 miles of roadway several times a year!
Daunting by any measure but the Montana World Affairs Council is successfully reaching its educational outreach goals through virtual programming that includes an amazing virtual speaker series of Ambassadors, Consul Generals and international thought leaders coupled with virtual learning experiences powered by MentorIC software and Inspired Classroom.
During October’s Mentor Meet Up, Executive Director Chris Hyslop shared his organization’s journey and offered advice to other non-profit organizations who are thinking of creating effective virtual programming to extend their reach. Click the video below to hear Chris’ thoughts on overcoming the challenges and building successful programs.