Gov. Gianforte Donates Salary to Great Falls Program Training Students in Construction

GREAT FALLS — Montana high school students are gaining hands-on construction skills while helping address the state's housing shortage through a program that received a financial boost this week from Governor Greg Gianforte.

On the seventh day of his 12 Days of Giving^1, Gianforte contributed a quarter of his annual salary — about $20,700 — to the NeighborWorks Great Falls High School House Program, which pairs students with skilled tradespeople to build affordable homes for first-time homebuyers.

"As Montanans, we believe in hard work, opportunity, and giving back to our neighbors," Gianforte said. "The High School House Program brings all three together as students learn in-demand skills, families achieve the dream of homeownership, and our communities growing stronger."

Founded in 1998, the program is a partnership between NeighborWorks Great Falls and Great Falls Public Schools. Each year, students from C.M. Russell and Great Falls High Schools spend the school year building a single-family home from the ground up. The program has built 48 homes since its founding.

NeighborWorks Great Falls purchases the lot, coordinates materials and subcontractors, and works with the City of Great Falls to make each project possible. When completed, each home is sold to a first-time homebuyer with low or moderate income.

"This hands-on learning opportunity allows these students to learn how to work together, communicate, and gain real skills in the construction industry," said Sherrie Arey, Executive Director of NeighborWorks Great Falls. "The governor has been very supportive of nonprofits and a huge supporter of housing and increasing the supply of housing, so that combination helped resonate for him to make one of us one of his gifts this year."

During his visit to the current build site, Gianforte met with students and instructors who are constructing the 48th High School House, expected to be put on the market in May.

"Working on the house taught me that I can do more than I thought," said Cale G., a junior at Great Falls High School. "It feels good to know a family will live in a home I helped build."

Pete Pace, a Great Falls Public Schools teacher and instructor for the High School House Program, emphasized the workforce readiness aspect of the program.

"Our students leave this program ready to step into the workforce," Pace said. "They're learning craftsmanship, teamwork, and pride in their work."

The program connects classroom learning with hands-on experience, preparing students for careers in construction, engineering, and design.

Since taking office in January 2021, Gianforte has donated his salary to nonprofits and organizations across Montana. In October 2020, he committed to Montanans he would contribute his salary as governor to nonprofit organizations and charities in the state.

Arey noted that the donation comes as NeighborWorks Great Falls celebrates its 45th anniversary year.

To learn more about NeighborWorks Great Falls and the High School House Program, visit nwgf.org.