OFFICE OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
HELENA – Twelve Montana communities will receive $50,000 in grants from the Graduation Matters Montana Student Assistance Foundation College Readiness Fund this year, with grants ranging from $2,000 – $5,000.
They are Anaconda, Bozeman, Browning, Columbia Falls, Eureka, Great Falls, Hardin, Hot Springs, Libby, Livingston, Missoula and Thompson Falls.
“It is exciting to see Graduation Matters communities setting high goals to reach out to and engage students and families as they prepare for life after high school,” said Montana Supt. of Public Instruction Denise Juneau.
Schools are setting their sights on increasing the number of students in their schools who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by participating in programs such as College Goal Montana. If schools successfully meet their goals, Juneau estimates that students and their families will receive around $3.9 million in grant awards for college education.
The majority of grantee schools will also participate in College Application Week this November, an effort to increase the number of Montana students who apply for college.
Other activities that supported by the grant include promotion of dual credit courses, providing college and career exploration and mentoring opportunities for middle school and high school students, and outreach to families to increase awareness of financial aid and college and certificate options.
