“Reach Higher Montana is super excited to offer funds to students to pursue their college and career dreams,” said Steve Coop, programs manager. “We understand the value of higher education, whether that be the trades, a two-year school or a four-year school.”

In past years, the nonprofit gave out the same number of scholarships, but they were for $1,000 each. Coop stated that with the rising cost of higher education, the nonprofit’s board gave the go-ahead to double the scholarship awards to $2,000 this year.