12 Math Programs for High School Students in Montana
If you've ever found yourself genuinely enjoying a math problem not because you had to solve it, but because you wanted to, a structured math program could be exactly the kind of challenge you're looking for. Most high school math classes stick to a fixed curriculum, which means a lot of the more interesting parts of the subject- proof-based thinking, mathematical modeling, combinatorics, and number theory- rarely make it into a regular school day. Math programs give you a real look at what the subject actually involves beyond formulas and standardized tests, and many of them come backed by universities and well-known organizations that carry weight on a college application.
Why should you attend a Math program in Montana?
Montana might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of academic summer programs, but universities like Montana State University and the University of Montana run programs that are worth a serious look. You could find yourself working through advanced problem sets on campus, prepping for nationally recognized competitions like the AMC, exploring how math connects to fields like engineering or environmental science, or even touring university research labs. They're a natural fit if you live or study in Montana and want something close to home, but out-of-state students who prefer a less crowded, more immersive experience should also take a look.
Here are 12 math programs for high school students in Montana.
If you’re looking for STEM research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 12 math programs for high school students in Montana include university-based dual enrollment courses, single-day data science events, and Native American-focused STEM programs like MT AIMS Gatherings and Pathways.
Several options, including Montana Tech's Data Science Day, University of Montana's TRIO Upward Bound, and MT AIMS programs, are entirely free, while dual enrollment courses through Missoula College, Gallatin College, and Helena College offer significant tuition savings.
Dual enrollment math courses let students earn transferable University of Montana or Montana State University credit while still in high school, often at reduced or waived tuition through Montana's One-Two-Free program.
Veritas AI's virtual AI Scholars and AI Fellowship programs give Montana students a way to build math-adjacent AI and data science skills remotely, regardless of location within the state.
1. Montana Technological University – Data Science Day at Montana Tech
Location: Butte, Montana
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open admission; cohort size not stated
Dates: March 31
Application Deadline: Registration by email to the organizing faculty member; no official closing date or closure rule
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors
In this program, you spend a day on Montana Tech's Butte campus seeing how mathematics turns raw numbers into useful conclusions. You work through three faculty-led sessions covering hidden patterns in ordinary-looking data, cluster analysis, and an introduction to machine learning and artificial intelligence that runs from games to autonomous vehicles. The middle session, Fruit Loops vs. Bran Flakes, introduces cluster analysis, a statistical grouping method, using a familiar breakfast-cereal comparison. You register by emailing a professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, which houses Montana Tech's Data Science degree.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students learn the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students can work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is access to the in-house publication team to help students secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Billings Public Schools – Summer Credit Recovery — Math
Location: Billings, Montana
Cost: $60 per course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive; cohort size not stated
Dates: June 8 – July 10
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served
Eligibility: Currently enrolled Billings Public Schools students in grades 9–12 who previously attempted and failed eligible courses; not open to applicants studying outside Billings Public Schools
In this program, you can recover mathematics credit needed to progress toward high school graduation. You work on previously failed math coursework during the district’s summer session and use the Apex digital learning platform provided for credit-recovery students. The program allows eligible students to recover math as one of the district’s core academic subject areas, with enrollment limited to previously attempted and failed courses. You can register for up to two credit-recovery courses and complete your assigned work during the five-week session. The structure gives you a focused opportunity to strengthen mathematical understanding while replacing missing graduation credit.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; financial assistance is available
Dates: Cohorts run in fall, summer, winter, and spring; options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varies based on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in high school with a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas you can explore as a high school student. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as math, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. University of Montana – TRIO Upward Bound Summer Academy
Location: Missoula, Montana
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 77 students
Dates: 6-week residential program during the summer
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Enrolled at Big Sky, Hellgate, Sentinel, Browning, or Heart Butte High School; minimum 2.5 GPA or strong desire to achieve; first-generation, low-income, or have a documented disability
In this program, you immerse yourself in a six-week college preparation experience at the University of Montana. You complete intensive academic coursework with a specialized focus on mastering high school mathematics and quantitative reasoning workflows. You tackle complex problem-solving exercises, engage in targeted STEM tutoring, and utilize analytical strategies to prepare for college-level math. You also collaborate with mentors to build critical skills like note-taking and time management. You live on campus to simulate the college experience while participating in distinctive activities such as high ropes courses and whitewater rafting. This approach ensures you develop the mathematical proficiency and personal confidence required for postsecondary success.
6. University of Montana / Missoula College – Missoula College Dual Enrollment — Mathematics Courses
Location: Missoula and western Montana, plus online
Cost: 50% of in-state Missoula College tuition, plus textbooks, materials, and course fees; first two courses (up to six credits) free for Montana students under 1-2-Free; out-of-state students pay non-resident rates; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive; cohort size not stated
Dates: Autumn Semester: August 24 – December 11; Spring Semester: January 13 – May 7
Application Deadline: Early College: August 20; Dual Credit: September 9; Spring courses: January 30
Eligibility: High school juniors, or aged 16–19, with exceptions for some sophomores; on track to complete a high school diploma within four years; 100- and 200-level courses only; math placement set by ACT or SAT scores, prior coursework, GPA and senior-year math, or the EdReady Montana diagnostic
In the Missoula College Dual Enrollment program, you earn University of Montana credit in mathematics while still in high school, choosing from Contemporary Math, College Algebra, College Trigonometry, Probability and Linear Mathematics, Precalculus, Applied Calculus, Calculus I, and Introduction to Statistics. You are placed by ACT or SAT scores, prior coursework, or the EdReady Montana diagnostic, which builds you a study plan to raise your level. You can take these classes at your high school with an approved instructor or join campus and online sections using Canvas, GrizPortal, and a UM email. Your first two courses are tuition-free through the Montana University System's One-Two-Free program. You leave with a UM transcript and credits that transfer statewide.
7. University of Montana – MT AIMS Gatherings
Location: University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
Cost: None
Dates: June 8–17
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Native American students entering grades 6–10; open to first-time MT AIMS participants
MT AIMS Gatherings is run in partnership between the North American Native Research and Education Foundation (NANREF) and UM, and it's designed specifically for students who are new to the program. During the two weeks, you'll build your own computer and use it for the rest of the program, while also working through hands-on activities in math, physics, chemistry, biology, and natural resources. Evening and weekend activities are also folded into the schedule, making it a full community experience rather than just a classroom-based program.
8. University of Montana – MT AIMS Pathways
Location: University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
Cost: None
Dates: June 16–27
Application Deadline: Not publicly specified for the upcoming cycle (applicants are encouraged to apply via the MT AIMS portal or contact the directors for deadline details)
Eligibility: Returning Native American high school students who have previously completed an MT AIMS program
MT AIMS Pathways is a 12-day residential program at the University of Montana, built for Native American high school students who have already been through the MT AIMS program and are ready to go further. Each year the program runs around a new theme, so returning participants engage with fresh content rather than repeating previous years. The core of the experience is a project-based challenge that your team works on together from start to finish, supported by coursework in math, science, and writing that runs alongside the project throughout the two weeks. You'll also have direct access to university resources and researchers, which is genuinely useful if you're thinking about what a college path in STEM might look like.
9. Gallatin College Early College — M 111 Technical Math
Location: Bozeman, Montana
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-free for the first two courses or six credits; about $60 per credit thereafter, with no university fees; hardship scholarships are available for additional courses
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive; cohort size not stated
Dates: August 26 – December 17
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served
Eligibility: Age 16 and over; enrolled in a Montana school district, homeschool, or GED program; ages 16–19 and/or junior or senior standing; on track to graduate within four years; seats available only after degree-seeking Gallatin College students have registered; MSU immunization requirements apply for on-campus classes; not open to applicants studying outside Montana
In this program, you take a three-credit college mathematics course through Gallatin College, Montana State University's two-year college, while still in high school. You work with measuring tools and measurement systems, then move through dimensional arithmetic, percent and proportion, applied geometry, and basic trigonometry, all framed around the calculations a trades program actually uses. The Fall section meets on campus in Bozeman on Monday and Wednesday evenings, alongside degree-seeking students. The course is built for specific trades pathways such as Carpentry and Drafting and CAD Technology, and the catalog states plainly that it is not a prerequisite for further mathematics. You earn college credit that transfers throughout the Montana University System.
10. Helena College Dual Enrollment – Mathematics Courses
Location: Helena, Montana
Cost: First two courses, up to 6 credits, free; half tuition thereafter, fees waived; hardship scholarship is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive; cohort size not stated
Dates: Fall: August 24 – December 11; Spring: January 11 – April 30
Application Deadline: Fall: August 14; Spring: December 28
Eligibility: Aged 16 or in the junior year; younger students can request acceptance through an Age Waiver Approval Packet; enrolled at a Montana high school accredited by the Board of Public Education, or in a home school programme with proof of enrolment; on track to graduate within four years, and no longer eligible once graduated; for maths specifically, a B- or higher in the previous maths class, or an exception request explaining each grade of C+ or below, immunization records if taking more than 7 credits; parent or guardian signature if under 18
In this program, you take college-level mathematics while still in high school and earn college credit; dual-credit courses also provide high school credit when approved. You select appropriate math courses, satisfy prerequisites, complete mathematics placement requirements when necessary, and register through the dual-enrollment process. Helena College mathematics offerings include college algebra, precalculus, calculus, statistics, and other quantitative courses that can support continued college study. Through college-level coursework, you develop quantitative reasoning, algebraic techniques, function analysis, and mathematical problem-solving. Credits use Montana’s common course numbering system, supporting transfer between participating Montana campuses. The program gives you an early start on college mathematics at substantially reduced tuition.
11. Montana Technological University – TRIO Upward Bound
Location: Montana Technological University, Butte, Montana
Cost: None
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students from low-income families or whose parent(s) have not earned a four-year college degree; completed the 8th grade but not yet entered the 12th grade; must be enrolled in a school in Anaconda, Butte, or Helena
The TRIO Upward Bound program pairs you with a staff member who meets with you weekly throughout the school year and works with you individually and as part of a cohort of students on the same path. What that looks like depends on where you are in high school; freshmen and sophomores focus on building academic skills and working as a team toward college readiness, while juniors start on scholarship essays and coursework, and seniors work through college applications, financial aid, housing, and dual credit options. The program treats every scholar as both an individual and a team member, so you get personalized guidance while staying accountable to a group working toward the same goals.
12. Montana National Guard / State of Montana – Montana Youth Challenge Academy
Location: Dillon, Montana
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not stated
Dates: Class 55: July – December 19; Class 56: Begins January 19; Class 57: Begins July 20
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: 16 to 18 years of age on the first day of admission; high school dropouts or at risk of not graduating; United States citizens or legal residents; Montana residents; Physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of completing a high-stress, high-tempo program; be drug-free and willing to pass a physical exam; no felony adjudications or convictions; cannot be awaiting trial or currently involved in trial proceedings
In this program, you will complete a 22-week residential intervention focused on credit recovery and HiSET credentialing. You will engage in military-style physical training, navigate obstacle courses, and participate in community service to build personal accountability. Academically, you will use the Adult Basic Education (TABE) test to evaluate your progress. You will complete targeted HiSET coursework, focusing on mastering core mathematics concepts and the problem-solving skills needed for graduation. Following the residential phase, you will receive guidance from a personal mentor for a full 12 months to support your transition into adulthood. Ultimately, you will develop emotional regulation, leadership abilities, and practical career-readiness skills.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the best math programs for high school students in Montana?
Strong options depend on interests and goals. Students seeking college credit might consider dual enrollment through Missoula College, Gallatin College, or Helena College, while those wanting a short, low-commitment experience might try Montana Tech's Data Science Day.
2. Are there free math programs for high schoolers in Montana?
Yes, several programs are free, including Montana Tech's Data Science Day, University of Montana's TRIO Upward Bound Summer Academy, MT AIMS Gatherings and Pathways, and Montana Technological University's TRIO Upward Bound program.
3. Can high school students earn college math credit through these programs in Montana?
Yes, dual enrollment options through Missoula College, Gallatin College, and Helena College allow students to earn transferable college math credit, often with the first two courses tuition-free through Montana's One-Two-Free program.
4. Are any of these math programs limited to Montana residents?
Yes, most dual enrollment and TRIO programs require Montana residency or enrollment in a specific school district, though virtual options like Veritas AI and the Lumiere Research Scholar Program are open to students regardless of location.