More than 260 students are getting a boost to attend college or technical school this year thanks to scholarships awarded by Montana Community Foundation.

MCF awarded $1,267,114 to students in 2026, marking an increase of 33% over last year. Total awards ranged from $500 to $40,000, with an average one-time award of $2,305 per student and an average multi-year award of $17,093 per student.

Donors support funds like the Dearborn Ranch Montana Highway Patrol Scholarship, which this year awarded $240,000 in new multi-year awards to six students and paid $170,000 in yearly installments to continuing students who are children of Montana Highway Patrol Officers.

“This scholarship has helped make my college education more affordable. Thanks to this scholarship and others, I will be completing my degree this spring!” wrote recipient Celia Fetterhoff.

Madeline Pomeroy received the T. Eugene Young Montana's Promise Scholarship, created to encourage Montana high school students to pursue a degree related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics or healthcare. 

“This scholarship is helping me to pursue a degree in pre-medical sciences at the University of Montana,” Madeline wrote. “Because of this scholarship, I am able to dedicate more time to volunteering and shadowing medical professionals, which will permit me to accomplish my ultimate goal of becoming a pediatrician!”

Corey Kopp, MCF’s Scholarships & Grants Program Officer, said that scholarships open doors for Montana students.

“This helps put education within reach and give students more room to focus on learning and planning for their future. They also send a powerful message: Someone believes in you and wants to help you succeed. That encouragement can make a real difference as students take their next step, whether that's a traditional four-year college experience or training for a trade,” Corey said.

The next scholarship application cycle opens in 2027. To learn more and see what kinds of scholarships are available, visit our website.