Reach Higher Montana offers 81 $2,000 scholarships
The Reach Higher Montana Scholarship program opened Dec. 1 at reachhighermontana.org. This year, the Montana-based nonprofit organization will award 81 scholarships – 30 awards for Class of 2023 graduating high school seniors, and 50 awards for students currently attending a Montana college or university for use in the 2023-2024 academic year.
In addition, one $2,000 scholarship is earmarked for a current college student who has, or is currently, serving in the military. “The Carl Valvoda Military Scholarship is awarded in memory of Carl Valvoda, the son and husband of two former co-workers, who passed away due to a brain tumor,” said Rhonda Safford, Reach Higher Montana programs manager.
The deadline to apply is Jan. 15, 2023.
Three Mission Valley students are pursuing their higher education goals, thanks in part to 2002 Reach Higher Montana Scholarships. Area recipients include:
Jazlyn Dalbey, Polson High, who is studying nursing at Montana State University in Bozeman. “My advanced and dual enrollment courses in English, math, and science have been challenging but have helped me develop a dedicated work ethic and strong written communication skills,” she wrote in her application. “I believe that my participation in the health professionals program and challenging coursework have me poised for success in the challenging medical field.”
Robin Erickson, also of Polson High, is enrolled in Health Sciences at Carroll College. “Each year I apply for state and local scholarships,” he writes. “I am trying to minimize student loans during undergraduate school. My academic and soccer schedule make it difficult to work during the school year, so it is important to work and save each summer.”
MaryJane Yellowmule of Ronan, a graduate of St. Labre High School, is enrolled in the Salish Kootenai College nursing program. “I believe my local nursing home needs a Crow, like me, who is caring and loving, and someone who is from there who understands the elderly and can relate to their daily needs and cares. When I receive my BSN in nursing, I am going back to my local nursing home and going to help out my people.”
To be eligible for the scholarship, all applicants must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA, be attending or have graduated from a Montana high school and have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2023-2024. Scholarships may only be used at Montana postsecondary education institutions, including private and tribal colleges, and two-year, four-year and university campuses. Scholarship funds are awarded directly to the colleges and can be applied towards any elements of the recipient’s cost of attendance as calculated by the financial aid office.
For more information about this scholarship or any of Reach Higher’s free resources, visit Reach Higher Montana’s website, www.ReachHigherMontana.org, or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
