Deadline (3/31) Approaches For Governor’s Scholarship in Montana

In it’s first year the Governor’s Postsecondary Scholarship Program http://www.mgslp.org has already helped hundreds of Montana students pay for college, including Heather Tranquillo from Darby.

Heather will graduate this spring with an Associates degree in accounting from The Missoula College of Technology. In addition to her responsibilities as a student, Heather is also a single mom, and an intern for an insurance company. She says that every bit of financial help makes a difference.

“ I am very thankful, I know it will really matter when I go to pay back my student loans. It was great to receive this money.”

The program started after the 2005 legislature approved $1.5 million in scholarship money for first time college students attending one of Montana’s 2 or 4-year programs. Among the 500 scholarships available, many are designated for studies in the field of health sciences and technology. Like Heather more and more students are pursuing 2-year degrees.

At The College of Technology in Missoula the fastest growing field of study is nursing. Awards such as the Governor’s Postsecondary Scholarship put the option of a college education within reach.

According to Bruce Marks, Director of The Montana Guaranteed Student Loan Program,“ It’s very important that we increase access to our postsecondary institutions. One of the best ways to do this is to help make college more affordable. The Governor’s Postsecondary Scholarship Program helps reduce the amount of debt students will have once they graduate.”

Scholarships are renewable for a maximum of 2 or 4 years depending on academic performance. Heather encourages students to apply. “ You just never know, I was surprised and very happy when I found out I won.” Students can apply for The Governor’s Postsecondary Scholarship at http://www.mgslp.org or http://www.mt.gov. The application deadline is March 31.

Media contact:

Lyndsay Mammen

Public Relations Coordinator,

MGSLP

406-444-0610