Montana Governor’s Postsecondary Scholarship Program Goes Online

Governor Brian Schweitzer today announced that Montanans
interested in the Governor’s Postsecondary scholarship can now apply
online. The Governor’s Postsecondary Scholarship program was created by
HB 435 which passed in the 2005 legislative session. The bill, carried
by Representative Gary Branae, provides about 500 scholarships per year
to Montana students.

Visit http://www.mgslp.org to Apply Online

"Montana’s families have been priced out of an education. Our state’s
most talented should have the opportunity to attend college and become
the engines that drive our future economic growth."

The Governor’s scholarships will go to students who graduate from
accredited Montana high schools. These scholarships are need-based and
targeted: merit-based awards for academic achievement and 2 year
programs for workforce development. All public institutions of higher
education in Montana will offer scholarships.

"We must invest in education, if Montana is to succeed in attracting new
businesses and in promoting a healthier climate for economic growth"
said Governor Schweitzer.

To read more about the program or apply online visit — http://www.mgslp.org.

The bill established a Governor’s Postsecondary Scholarship Advisory
Council to work with the Board of Regents of Higher Education and the
Montana Guaranteed Student Loan Program in awarding and administering
the scholarship program. The board may also accept donations from public
or private sources.

The Montana Constitution (Section 6) explicitly prohibits sectarian
schools from receiving both direct and indirect aid from public monies –
therefore students attending sectarian schools would not be eligible for
the scholarships.

The Governor’s Postsecondary Scholarship Program passed the Senate 42-8
and the House 54-46.

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Sarah J. Elliott

Communications Director

Governor Brian Schweitzer

406-444-9725

[email protected]