Background

Gary Olszewski was a dedicated dryland farmer in North Central Montana, specializing in the cultivation of small grains. He took immense pride in his mechanical expertise, keeping his farm equipment and vehicles in top condition. In addition to his mechanical skills, Gary was also proficient in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work—skills that were essential to the successful operation of his farm.

Gary was a passionate advocate for encouraging young people to pursue careers in the trades, recognizing the personal fulfillment and financial stability that these professions can offer. Through this scholarship, Gary’s enduring wish is to inspire the next generation to explore and choose the trades as a rewarding career path.

Criteria

Required Criteria

The following are required criteria for this scholarship. Applicants must:

• be enrolled in a two-year technical program at an accredited postsecondary institution by the start of the first term of the awarded period.

Preferred Criteria

Preference in consideration will be given to applicants who are:

• are from Blaine, Hill, or Phillips Counties in Montana.

Continuing Criteria

Scholarship recipients will be eligible to receive the awarded scholarship for 2 academic years. Current recipients of this scholarship looking to continue the scholarship for another year must:

• continue to meet the required criteria for this scholarship;
• remaining in good academic standing; and
• complete the MCF Continued Scholarship Form (sent via email in early Spring to each recipient).

Reapplication

Previous recipients are NOT allowed to apply again.

Awards

This scholarship typically provides the following each academic year.

Award Type

Multi-Year (Up to 2 Years Awarded)

Amount per Award

Typically $8,000 per academic year.

# of Awards

Typically 2 recipients each year.

Applying

Application Access Code

26GOMS

Use this Access Code to apply directly for this scholarship within the MCF Scholarship Portal.

Materials Needed

No additional materials are required for submission with an application.