Scholarship Tips and Opportunities

Campuses offer many scholarships to incoming freshmen, transfer students, and students in specific programs of study. Check out your institution’s website or get in touch with the financial aid office. Apply early for scholarships offered by the college you plan to attend.

Here are just a few of the scholarships available through the Montana University System Colleges and Universities:

  • MUS Honor Scholarship: The MUS Honor Scholarship is a four-year renewable scholarship, which waives the recipient’s tuition when used at an eligible campus. Its average value at a 4-year Montana campus is $5,000 a year or $20,000 for four years.
  • Montana’s STEM Scholarship: Montana’s STEM Scholarship Program is designed to provide an incentive for Montana high school students to prepare for, enter into, and complete degrees in postsecondary fields related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics and healthcare.

Check out all the Scholarships and Tuition Waivers the Montana University System has to offer.

Newly listed scholarships:

American Indian College Fund Scholarships

The American Indian College Fund supports Native communities through scholarships for Native students and program funding for Tribal Colleges. Each scholarship will have its own requirements for the application process. Please use their website for more information and to apply online.

Deadlines: Rolling deadlines. Check their webpage for details.

Mike Bullock Scholarship

This $500 scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to high school seniors (including PAL and Home Schooling) from Helena, Boulder and Townsend and White Sulphur Springs with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA wanting to further their education through a course of study at the post-high school level. This training is not limited to traditional college or university course work and can include any trade or technical school.

Deadline: May 2023

Treasure Scholarship- MSU

MSU is excited to offer first-generation Montana freshman students the treasure scholarship. this award recognizes first-generation Montana students and is valued at $1,500 per year/renewable for up to four years. Must apply at MSU and accepted to be eligable.

 


Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student

The Elks National Foundation is proud to announce the start of the 2023 Elks Most Valuable Student scholarship contest. The MVS scholarship is available to high school seniors who are United States citizens. Applications do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.  The judging criteria is based on academics, leadership, service, and financial need.

The application is completed online and must be summitted by the November 14, 2002, deadline. The 500 national winners will be announced in April 2023. The top 20 national finalists participate in the Leadership Weekend and interview for the top awards, ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. The remaining 480 runners-up receive $4,000 scholarships.

MVS scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours) at a U.S. college or university next year.

HC Stars Scholarship

Helena College is excited to open nominations for the Helena College STARS scholarships. These scholarships
are meant to assist local high school seniors to unlock their potential at Helena College by assisting in lowering the
financial barrier of entry that all too often prevent students from pursuing post-secondary education. High school
personnel as well as those who mentor or advise high school students are invited to nominate students. These
special scholarships are intended to help students reach their goals by establishing path to higher education and
broadening their career opportunities.

Each HC STARS award is $2,000, dispersed at $500 a semester up to four semesters dependent on renewable
criteria. To be eligible for renewal, the student must be enrolled full-time during their tenure at Helena College and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

 

Apply Here

Bonnie Sue Heller Memorial Scholarship

 

Attached you will find the information on the Bonnie Sue Heller Memorial Scholarship sponsored by the HGSA (Helena Girls Softball Association).  This is available to any senior who has participated in at least two seasons of HGSA ball. They do not have to be a current softball player.

 

Helena Kiwanis Club Weber Music Scholarship

  1. . Scholarship applications may be obtained from the school Career Center, Music Teachers, or by
    contacting the Helena Kiwanis Club at 406‐442‐8657.
  2. Follow the instructions outlined in the scholarship packet.
  3. One $1,000 scholarship each will be awarded at Capital High School and Helena High School.
  4. Mail the application, CD, DVD, or USB Drive of your music selection, and letters of personal reference to
    the Helena Kiwanis Club.
  5. Application due date for the 2022 Helena Kiwanis Club Music Scholarships is April 1, 2023. The
    applications will be reviewed by a scholarship committee composed of Helena Kiwanis Club members.

Helena Kiwanis Club Key Club Scholarship

  1. Complete all sections of the application as accurately as possible. Make sure that
    all signatures required for eligibility are included
  2. Only students who have been awarded a scholarship will receive notification
  3. Must be a college bound graduating high school student and a registered Key
    Club member
  4. All scholarships are provided as cash awards in the form of a check issued to the
    student
  5. The scholarship amount is $1,000
  6. Awards are disbursed at the noon May 8th club meeting honoring scholarship
    winners

Deadline: Mailed by April 1st, 2023

 

Lewis and Clark Republican Women

1. Female high school senior or high school graduate or equivalent.

2. Resident of Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, or Jefferson Counties.

3. Either entering, currently enrolled or returning to an institution of higher education in Montana.

4. One letter of recommendation from other than a relative.

5. Copy of university/college acceptance letter.

6. A one-page essay telling LCRW something about herself, why she is applying for this scholarship, and how she relates to either the Republican or Democratic Party platform.

7. Submit the completed Scholarship Application

Deadline: April 1, 2022.

Black Mountain Software

Black mountain Software is offering scholarships to Montana students. All interested 2023 graduating Montana High School seniors who will be attending an accredited institution of higher education, regardless of their field of study, are eligible. These accredited institutions include trade schools, technical schools, colleges or universities.

 

Two scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $1000.00 each. Scholarship payment will be made directly to the school that the applicant will be attending.

Applications and essays must be submitted electronically to black Mountain Software.

Deadline: April 14th, 2023

 

 

 

Montana Association of Conservation Districts Scholarship

Two $1,000 Scholarships are available for Montana students—high school seniors or students who are attending an accredited post secondary institution in Montana may apply.

Eligibility requirements:
● Must be a US citizen with Montana residency
● Minimum grade point average of 3.0
● Enrollment or plans to enroll in a course of study that allows students to explore natural resource issues. Appropriate courses of study include agriculture, agribusiness, animal science, range science, forestry, environmental science, land resource science, plant science, etc.

Deadline: April 14th, 2023

Apply Here

 

Harold Shepherd Memorial Scholarship

The Harold Shepherd Memorial scholarship is an annual recognition of a senior track and field student athlete from Helena area high schools who embodies the spirit and character of Harold. Quality candidates are those individuals who exhibit selflessness, sportsmanship, work ethic, and commitment to community and family. Candidates are evaluated by their character and their ability to persevere in the face of adversity, and not necessarily by their athletic accomplishments.

  • Offered to a graduating senior who has competed with the Track and Field team during all four years of high school(COVID-19 cancellation is considered an active year).

 

Deadline: April 15th

Children of a Montana Sheriffs & Peace officers Association Member

This scholarship opportunity is for children of MSPOA members. There are five (5) scholarships of $1000 each, awarded to children whose parent is an MSPOA Member in good standing.  The recipients will be randomly chosen and are not merit based.  This is a small way for the board to support members.

 

Deadline: April 15th, 2023

 

Montana Sheriffs & Peace officers Association

The Montana Sheriff’s and Peace officer Association announces the availability of two $1500 scholarships to be awarded for the fall semester of 2023 to a gradating high school senior who is seeking a career in local law enforcement OR a current college student who is pursing a career in local law enforcement. Recipients will be selected on the basis of need, academic ability, and career goals.

Deadline: April 15th, 2023

Joan and Wesley Buffington Trust

Eligible applicants will be required to provide the following:

  • The applicant must provide proof of Montana citizenship.
  • The applicant must provide current (within the last 12 months) documentation from a licensed Ophthalmologist or Optometrist testifying to the applicant’s condition as a legally blind, totally blind or visually impaired individual.
  • For these purposes, the Trust recognizes the World Health Organization classifications of these terms: Visually Impaired: having a best corrected visual acuity of 20/60 or worse in the better eye; Legally Blind: having a best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye or a visual field of less than 20 degrees.
  • The applicant must demonstrate the intention to pursue educational courses at an accredited college or university or qualified vocational training programs. The applicant is encouraged to provide additional information regarding the specific programs that he/she will pursue and past scholastic records.
  • A Statement of Need is required as part of the application; applicant may provide evidence of financial need for consideration.

Deadline: April 15, 2023

Last Chance Audubon Society Scholarship

The Last Chance Audubon Society (LCAS) is pleased to announce that up to two awards of $1,000 each will be made to graduating seniors from high schools in the Helena and East Helena school districts. The purpose of the scholarships is to provide financial support to help selected students with their freshman-year college expenses.

Qualifications: Students may apply who anticipate being accepted to a Collège or university of their choice and who have agreed to attend that institution. Students who apply must have an interest in college/university studies related to habitat protection, conservation, and/or restoration of value to avian and other wildlife species.

 

Deadline: April 15, 2023

 

 

Montana Farmers Union Scholarship Application

Montana Farmers Union is happy to announce its 2023 scholarships which are made available through special efforts of the MFU Foundation, Montana Farmers Union, Chouteau, Cascade, and Flathead County Farmers Unions. Montana Farmers Union family membership dues must be current. ($50/per family, per year), and the deadline to have scholarships in to the MFU Foundation is April 17th. Scholarships must be used the year they are awarded.

 

Apply Here

Pointe Pest Control- Pay It Forward scholarship

Here is some brief information about this scholarship:
  • This scholarship is judged primarily on need basis, but does not exclude achievement standards.
  • The scholarship must be submitted, in full, by April 29, 2023. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
  • INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
  • Applications for scholarship can be submitted by any high school senior or college freshman from the state of Montana.
  • A student aid report showing income status of your household must be attached for application to be considered.
  • Must have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0.
  • A transcript must be attached with counselor or school representative signature for application to be considered.
  • This scholarship is a one time scholarship worth $750. It will be awarded May 30, 2023
  • Although not required, applicants are encouraged to submit recommendation letters and/or resumes to substantiate their application.
  • All applicants must be submitted electronically using this form.

Deadline: April 29th, 2023

Prickly Pear Sportsmen’s Association Scholarship

Student involved in extracurricular, community and or shooting sports. Must be a senior of graduating class of 2023. This scholarship will be rewarded to two successful candidates for $500.

Fill out application thoroughly.

Gates of the Mountain Foundation

The Gates of the Mountains Foundation is a non-profit corporation established in 1973 to preserve the heritage of the 1805 Lewis and Clark expedition. Through a balance of preservation, education and recreation, the Foundation strives to safeguard the Gates of the Mountains region for generations to come.

The Gates of the Mountains Foundation will award a $2,000.00 scholarship per year for two consecutive
years to the successful Applicant. (Total amount of $4,000.00 over two years)

  • This award is limited to an undergraduate student that will be enrolled in an accredited public or
    private Montana college, university, technical or trade school.
  • To be eligible, an applicant must be a graduating high school student from the Helena Public
    School system, East Helena Public School system, or a Helena student having received his/her
    GED and not over 21 years of age.
  • DEADLINE: The application must be received by the Foundation Selection Committee,
    2234 Gold Rush, Helena, MT 59601, “on or before” May 1st of the applicant’s high school
    graduation year. Exceptions may be granted for eligible GED graduates.
  • The application will be graded on FINANCIAL NEED, DEFINED GOALS, along with scholastic
    achievement, school and extracurricular activities, CHARACTER and LEADERSHIP.
  • The scholarship committee reserves the right to retain the application. It is not intended that
    the application information be made public, however the scholarship committee reserves the
    right to announce the scholarship winner.
  • A check in the amount of $2,000.00 will be issued to the accredited Montana college, university,
    technical or trade school the successful applicant has enrolled. This amount is earmarked for
    tuition and fees needed to support applicant’s fulltime status.
  • To receive the second year of this two year scholarship the applicant must provide proof
    of completion of year one as a fulltime student in good standing and a plan of study as
    a fulltime second year student by June of year one.

Deadline: May 1st 2023

Girls & Boys State

At American Legion Boys State and American Legion Girls State, young men and women are exposed to the rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by elected and appointed officials duly placed in office by citizens of their respective Boys State and Girls State delegations. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, and recreational programs. Through the Montana Boys State program, each Boys Stater and Girls Stater can earn one of several scholarships offered.

 

Boys State Application

Girls State Application

More Information

Dr Louis Hampers Scholarship for Medical Students

Dr. Louis Hampers is a practicing pediatrician in Colorado.  He wants to help the next generation of medical doctors in the United States, and would like to give back through the “Dr Louis Hampers Scholarship for Medical Students”. This scholarship is available for students in the United States who are currently enrolled in a university or high school students who have plans to attend a university.  The scholarship is meant to help a deserving student with scholarship funding who wishes to become a medical doctor.

Here is some brief information about our scholarship:

  • Award of $1,000 to a Single Student
  • Deadline for this scholarship is June 15, 2023
  • A winner will be announced by July 15, 2023

 

 

Dr. Manzella Scholarship for Second Opportunities

This scholarship is available for students in the United States who are currently enrolled in a university, or high school students who have plans to attend a university.  The scholarship is meant to help a deserving student with scholarship funding who has had to overcome a family member who has been incarcerated.

Here is some brief information about our scholarship:

  • Award of $1,000 to a Single Student
  • Deadline for this scholarship is June 15, 2023
  • A winner will be announced by July 15, 2023

BigSun Scholarship

The BigSun Organization is proud to be able to continue to help young athletes succeed in their academic pursuits. We are offering and annual scholarship to a deserving student. All student athletes are eligible for this award, regardless of which sport they are participating in or what their capacity in that sport is.

Amount of Award: $500.00

Deadline: June 19th, 2023

 

Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program

Abbott & Fenner Business Consultants are pleased to be able to continue with our scholarship program for the 17th year.

We will be awarding up to $1,000 to the winner(s) each year

 

Deadline: June 10th 2023

College Board Big Future Scholarships

There are no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements. It’s easy to enter scholarship drawings each month. Simply complete one of the steps before the deadline, and you’ll be automatically entered to win $500 and $40,000! Students whose families earn less than $60,000 a year have extra chances at scholarships because they’re eligible two entries each drawing.

Deadline: Deadlines vary.

Eric Burtchett Memorial Scholarship Fund

In Today’s world, many students face pressure to pursue traditional degrees rather than trade school, despite the many opportunities in the trades. students interested in hands-on service careers, such as welding, electrical engineering, or plumbing, need to be encouraged to attend trade school and refine their skills.

**Montana residents only

Recurring Scholarships/Rolling Deadlines: 


Hopa Mountain Scholars of Promise Programs

What is Hopa Mountain? Hopa Mountain is a Bozeman-based nonprofit organization that invests in rural and tribal citizen leaders, adults and youth, who are improving education, ecological health, and economic development.

What are Hopa Mountain’s Scholars of Promise Programs? Hopa Mountain offers three distinct Scholars of Promise college prep programs that provide high school sophomores, juniors and seniors with training, mentoring, and support services to help them prepare to apply to and succeed at the colleges/universities of their choice.

  • If you are a Native American high school student, enrolled or descendant, with a 3.0 GPA or above, you are invited to apply to Indigenous Scholars of Promise. https://www.hopamountain.org/indigenousscholarsofpromise
  • If you are a high school student in Montana who has a GPA of 2.5 or above and are interested in earning a health related degree, you are invited to apply to Hopa Mountain’s Health Scholars of Promise https://www.hopamountain.org/health-scholars-of-promise
  • The Scholars of Promise program is designed for students in foster care, kinship care, or homeless. https://www.hopamountain.org/scholarsofpromise

Each program helps to support each scholar through their college graduation.

Benefits of being a Scholar of Promise include: 

  • Visits to college and university campuses.
  • Training and coaching meetings.
  • Assistance with university essays, application/testing fees, and scholarship applications.
  • Mentor and peer support throughout college along with assistance for emergency needs during COVID-19.
  • Recognition through participation in the Scholars of Promise program.

What is the primary goal of these programs? The goal of Scholars of Promise is to increase the number of students who are recruited to, retained at and graduate from institutions of higher education in order to realize their personal and professional goals.

For more information or to access the applications, please visit www.hopamountain.org or call 406-586-2455

COLLEGE PEAS STUDENT STANDOUT

Award: $400

College Peas Student Standout College Scholarship is for the student who has something special that makes them different from their peers.  We recommend engaging in a special kind of activity ~ Non-Teenager Activity.  An NTA is, quite simply, any activity that other teenagers don’t typically do. By choosing an NTA you will differentiate yourself in a way that will have a very positive impact on your chances of getting into college.

Eligibility:

  • Must be a current high school student and:
  • Be a current high school student that Intends to enroll full-time at a four-year college.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.0/4.0.
  • Submit a short essay describing a special skill, talent or interest that helps you standout from your peers. The essay should be no longer than 100 words.

The application deadline has not been set for this round and, therefore, no award date is currently set. You may still apply, however.

Treasure Scholarship- Montana State University

As your students continue to navigate the college search process, we wanted to let you know of an exciting opportunity for first-generation Montana Students wanting to attend Montana State University. MSU is excited to offer first-generation Montana freshman students the Treasure Scholarship. This award recognizes first-generation Montana students and is valued at $1,500 per year/renewable for up to four years. As Montana’s land-grant institution, we believe it’s critical to support our Montana resident students as they take this important step in their education, especially those who are the first in their families to do so. Going to college as a first-generation student can mean a big change for students, their families and communities. This award is Montana State’s way of showing we are committed to helping students achieve their educational goals and continuing to make a difference for the future of our great state.

 

 

LATUTORS INNOVATION IN EDUCATION

    • Deadline Details: 20th of each month
    • Award: $500

Online Application

This is a $500 scholarship that is awarded monthly.  We at LA Tutors are passionate about sparking the creative genius in students and would love to commend those outstanding students who have a made a difference in the lives of others in some innovative or technological fashion.

Applicants must upload an essay, letter of recommendation, and photo of yourself all at once before submitting the application. All of the following documents must be included:

  • Essay – The essay should describe the goal of the particular project and provide the link to access the content such as the blog, app, etc. (if applicable). Word or PDF format only.
  • Letter of Recommendation – The letter should evaluate the quality of the work. Word or PDF format only.
  • Your Photo – The photo should be one taken during project execution. JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF format only.

Eligibility:

  • Must currently be enrolled as a high school or college/university student within the United States or Canada.
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (or the equivalent).
  • Must be a citizen of, permanent resident of, or hold a valid student visa in the United States or Canada.
  • Must have designed an innovative project that makes a difference in the lives of others (This could be a website, series of blogs, an app, fundraising event, etc.)
  • Must submit an essay describing the goal of the particular project and provide supporting documentation.
  • The essay, idea, or creation must be the applicant’s original work.
  • All submissions must be uploaded no later than 11:59 pm PST on the 20th of each month. The submission window closes starting the 21st and will reopen on the 1st at 8:00 a.m.
  • Scholarship winners will be contacted via email and must respond within five(5) days of the date of the email to accept the award. If no response is received within this time, another recipient will be selected.

COURSE HERO ONGOING MONTHLY SCHOLARSHIP 

DEADLINES VARY BY MONTH 

ELIGIBILITY: 

  • Must attend a university or plan to attend a university (a four-year or a two-year college) 
  • Must be a US Citizen 
  • Must be at least 16 years old 

GRIZZLY PROMISE

 

The Grizzly Promise initiative is funded through a combination of scholarships, grants, waivers and other financial aid packaged together specifically for Montana students who attend UM. The Grizzly Promise initiative is only available to in-state Montana students whose families have incomes of less than $50,000 annually. Students who receive support through the Grizzly Promise initiative can renew their financial support each year while they attend UM, for up to four years, as long as they maintain a full 12-credit course load.

How to Apply:

  1. Apply for admission to the University of Montana as a four-year degree-seeking student. This does not include Missoula College.
  2. Complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA, using UM’s code: 002536. (Review UM’s Top Five Tips For Filling out the FAFSA).