Montana University System Awarded $2.2 Million Grant to Serve Low-Income and First-Generation College Students

The Montana Educational Talent Search program, located in the Office of
the Commissioner of Higher Education Office, was awarded†a†$2,270,656
four-year grant†by the U.S. Department of Education. The funding will
continue to help low-income and first-generation college students in 32
middle schools and high schools on the Crow, Northern Cheyenne,
Flathead, and Blackfeet Indian Reservations as well as the city of
Great Falls prepare for postsecondary success.

"I am very excited about the renewal of this program." This will enable
our office to continue to provide critical pre-college access services
to Montana’s low-income, first-generation students," said Commissioner
Sheila Stearns.

Educational Talent search is one of the federal TRIO programs†created
in 1965 under Title IV of the Higher Education Act to provide equal
opportunity for higher education to all Americans regardless of race,
ethnic background, or economic circumstance. TRIO programs have
formed the core of Montana postsecondary access efforts for over thirty
years. Currently there are 26 TRIO programs serving 9,306 Montana
Students and adults from middle school through graduate school.

Montana Educational Talent Search was first awarded to the Office of
the Commissioner of Higher Education Office in 1979 and over that time
has assisted almost 15,000 Montana students. Montana Educational Talent
Search offers services to ensure that students complete high school
and†successfully pursue college or vocational school.

Services
include: individual counseling, academic workshops and classes, role
model speakers, high school course planning, college/career site
visits, and postsecondary enrollment assistance.

For additional information contact Rene’ Dubay, Director, at
406-444-0334 or toll free 1-888-241-4452.