Academic Success Program

Gracie Smith-Shoup shares how the Lifelong Learning Center supported her in successfully earning her HiSET and building the confidence and skills needed to move forward in her education. Through continued training in our medical programs, she was able to complete her certification as a Nursing Assistant and begin a rewarding career in healthcare.

What is the Academic Success Program?

Funded with Federal, State, and local dollars, the Academic Success Program (ASP) helps students improve their reading, writing, and math skills. Students enroll hoping to achieve one of four goals:

  • Complete the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)

  • Succeed in college, training, and apprenticeships

  • Find and keep a job that works for you

  • Explore careers that interest you

Learn at your own pace and in your own style. You can begin anytime.

The Academic Success Program offers the following classes in Missoula, MT, on an ongoing basis:

  • Essentials of Mathematics: Math instruction tailored to your individual needs. Whether you are returning to college, preparing to take the HiSET test, or simply want to help your children with their math homework, we can help.

  • Reading & Writing Essentials: Improve your reading and writing skills for HiSET preparation, college, or workforce re-entry. Instruction may be individualized, small group, and/or computer-assisted. Reading instruction will include work in comprehension and vocabulary. Writing instruction will cover sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, spelling, practical writing, paragraph, and essay writing. Set a schedule that works for you! You can begin anytime.

  • College Prep Algebra: This class begins with a review of important ideas from arithmetic and pre-algebra and then develops the essential ideas of algebra. Topics include rational numbers, integers, linear equations, polynomials, and rational expressions.

  • Writing for Business or College: Refresh your writing skills in this class, which will cover sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, and style. Students will receive instruction in writing and organizing everything from a paragraph to an essay. Prewriting, editing, and rewriting will be emphasized.

  • HiSET Preparation: There are several ways to find out if you are ready to take the HiSET. www.HiSET.org offers free practice tests and resources to help you prepare. Alternatively, you can take a TABE test and enroll in free brush-up classes.

  • College Success Program: This program is designed to help you learn strategies college students use to succeed AND reduce the time and money it costs to complete your program. The program is made available to Missoula College’s current and prospective students for free through a collaboration between Missoula College, Carl D. Perkins Funds, the Educational Opportunity Center, and the Lifelong Learning Center.

How To Get Started

To help determine your readiness for the HiSET, GED, or college-level coursework, Missoula Adult Basic Education offers free Enrollment Sessions for students planning to enroll in classes. During these sessions, students take the CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems) test, which measures basic skills in reading and math. The results help identify your educational needs and guide appropriate class placement. For Enrollment Session dates and details, call 406-549-8765.

MCPS ASP also works with local employers to help screen applicants for employment and/or training by administering the CASAS. The cost of the CASAS assessment is $25.

To learn more about these FREE classes, call 406-549-8765.

Meet Your Instructors

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  • Kaitlyn is originally from Butte, Montana, and joined the Lifelong Learning Center team in September 2025 after returning to Missoula from Vermont. Her diverse background includes experience as a certified medical assistant, curriculum developer, middle school science teacher, and adult education advisor.

    She holds a B.S. in Nutritional Science and Biochemistry from Montana State University, an M.S. in Environmental Science from Antioch University of New England, and is pursuing an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through the College of William & Mary. Kaitlyn is passionate about helping learners recognize their strengths and achieve their goals.

    Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, birding, painting, sketching, and spending time with her husband, two cats, and bunny.

  • Shelley has been with the Lifelong Learning Center for nearly 20 years, teaching Adult Basic Education classes in reading, math, science, social studies, writing, and preparation for jobs, trades, and college. She enjoys working with students and values the opportunity to learn something new together each day. Outside of teaching, Shelley enjoys spending time with family and friends and being out in the woods whenever possible.

  • Tina began her journey with the Lifelong Learning Center as a volunteer in the math classroom in 2015. Today, she works in that same classroom, supporting students as they work toward their academic goals in an environment built on mutual trust and respect. She teaches all subjects both virtually and in person. Tina earned her Master’s degree in Education from Montana State University in 2011. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, running, and spending time at the park with her children.

  • Since October 2025, Bryan has taught Adult Basic Education evening classes, supporting students as they prepare for the HiSET, college, and career readiness. He enjoys helping students build confidence, strengthen their skills, and achieve goals they once believed were out of reach. Outside of teaching, Bryan enjoys gardening, brewing kombucha, and spending time with family and friends in the Montana wilderness.


  • Teacher Becky is a lifelong learner with a passion for teaching and helping others discover new skills. She has taught subjects ranging from trumpet, lifeguarding, preschool gymnastics, and video editing to English in China and in classrooms throughout Missoula. She holds master's degrees in journalism and education and was recognized as one of Montana's few PBS Media Literacy Educators in 2024. When she's not teaching or taking classes herself, Becky enjoys biking, reading, playing Wingspan, and exploring new interests through lifelong learning.