Washington Foundation, UM unveil $2 Million scholarship program

Higher education has just become more affordable for Montana’s neediest high school seniors thanks to Missoula industrialist Dennis Washington and his wife, Phyllis.

By BETSY COHEN of the Missoulian

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and the University of Montana unveiled a $2 million scholarship program this week.

The funding for the program breaks down like this: The Washington Foundation will provide $250,000 a year for four years, for a total of $1 million. The University of Montana will provide a matching grant of $1 million, for a combined total of $2 million.

Each year, 100 high school seniors students from across Montana will be selected to each receive a $5,000 scholarship, which will be spread over a four-year period and can be utilized to pursue higher education at the University of Montana, UM-Western in Dillon, the Helena College of Technology or Montana Tech in Butte.

"We are very appreciative of the Washingtons," said UM President George Dennison. "This is a very important step given what has happened with tuition. What this will do, will relieve students and their families from some of the burden associated with the rising costs of education."

UM plans to pay for its half of the program through fund-raising efforts, donations and UM license plate fees, Dennison said.

Dennis and Phyllis Washington decided to create the scholarship because they recognize that higher education is becoming more unaffordable as tuition rises and Montana wages remain among the lowest in the country, said Mike Halligan, executive director of the foundation.

"Accessibility is becoming more of an issue for Montana kids," Halligan said. "Both Dennis and Phyllis believe that education is a tangible investment that offers long-term benefits for society, and that’s the core and focus of their legacy."

Students can apply online through the Horatio Alger Association, which is a national college scholarship program and is the administrator of the grant, said Anthony Hutcherson, the association’s public relations coordinator. Applications can found at http://www.horatioalger.com/scholarships

The association is accepting applications for the Class of 2004 through Oct. 15. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of educators from around the country, and scholarships will be awarded by Dec. 31.

The selection committee is looking for students who have confronted or overcome adversity in their lives, have critical financial need and demonstrate integrity and perseverance, Hutcherson said. Other criteria include academic achievement, public service and community involvement.

Dennis Washington is a member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, which is an organization of Americans who have overcome adversity and humble beginnings to achieve personal and professional success.

Reporter Betsy Cohen can be reached at 523-5253 or at [email protected]

http://missoulian.com/articles/2003/09/04/news/local/news02.txt