DayOne 2025

Electrical engineering touches nearly every modern industry—and demand for Oredigger EEs has never been higher. At Montana Technological University, our graduates design, develop, test, and lead the systems that keep information and infrastructure moving. As we celebrate Montana Tech’s 125 years of innovation, we’re doubling down on the future: recruiting more students into EE, supporting them from day one to graduation, and graduating work-ready engineers for the power and controls industries across the Northwest.

Why Your Gift Matters Now

Enrollment in EE has been flat for a decade even as demand for our graduates has grown. Demographic shifts suggest fewer college-bound students ahead, and about half of our incoming class starts at Pre-Calculus or below—meaning early support and intentional outreach are essential to student success.

To meet the moment, the Electrical Engineering department has a clear plan to increase yield and retention:

Targeted Outreach & Yield: Personalized faculty contact via text, email, and welcome packs (shirts, hats, and a custom Montana Tech-designed electronics piece in development) to spark interest—and signal belonging.

Priority-Date Scholarships: Enrollment-by-date scholarships to convert admitted students into Orediggers.

Hands-On Engagement: Faculty-led high school visits and invitations for classes to experience EE on our campus.

Meaningful Senior Design: Industry-relevant projects that build portfolios and pipelines to careers.

Capacity to Grow: As enrollment rises, we plan to expand from 4.5 full-time faculty—including dedicating 0.5 FTE to sustained outreach and high-school engagement.

Gifts to the Electrical Engineering Outreach & Recruitment Fund fuel the exact tactics that move the needle on recruitment and retention—today and throughout the year. Every contribution strengthens our ability to connect with future Orediggers, support current students, and graduate the engineers our region and industries urgently need.

DayOne Matching Opportunity

Thanks to Nick ’92 and Kari ’94 Olds, every gift to the Electrical Engineering Outreach & Recruitment Fund is matched 1:1 up to $2,000 during DayOne

For 125 years, Montana Tech has been a place where determined doers thrive. Your DayOne gift ensures the next generation of electrical engineers is ready to power what’s next for Montana, the Northwest, and beyond.

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