Montana GEAR UP

08/31/2026

🔨 Interested in a career in the skilled trades?

The Path to Pro Scholarship offers $2,500 to students pursuing training in carpentry, construction management, electrical, HVAC, or plumbing.

Eligible applicants can be high school seniors, graduates, or GED recipients planning to enroll in an approved trade program at an accredited two-year school or training institution.

📅 Applications are accepted year-round, with quarterly deadlines at the end of March, June, September, and December.

👉 Learn more & apply: Path to Pro Scholarship Application

08/28/2026

The journey begins! We are thrilled to start supporting our next group of GEAR UP graduates this year at Saint Ignatius Montana Public Schools.

From day one, our GEAR UP goal is simple: spark curiosity, build excitement, and help students start dreaming big about their futures. Whether it's college, career, or everything in between, we can't wait to see where this incredible group of students is headed!

08/20/2026

🌟 Happy first day of school, Rocky Boy Stars! 🌟

We’re excited for all that this new school year will bring and look forward to supporting your students, families, and community along the way. Here’s to a year of growth, opportunity, and success!

08/19/2026

GEAR UP/TRIO Achievement Grant Recipients!

You’ve been awarded your scholarship and now it’s time to claim it!

Head to Award Montana and create your account so we know who to send your scholarship payment to.

✨ Already awarded. Just one more step to claim your funds!

Don’t forget to complete your Award Montana account today!

08/17/2026

As a part of our Money Monday, here is another scholarship opportunity you don't want to pass up!

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based award for incoming high school seniors. They are gifting this scholarship to 150 students for the class of 2027.

This scholarship is geared for recognizing students who lead, serve, and make a positive impact in their schools and communities. Application can be found on their website and closes on Sept. 30, 2026!

08/13/2026

08/12/2026

Choosing a path after high school is one of the biggest decisions you'll make — and four-year college isn't the only option worth knowing about. Here's how four common paths compare.

CREDENTIALS
Four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional degrees. Community colleges award associate degrees and certificates, and some offer bachelor's degrees. Trade and technical schools offer certificates, diplomas, and industry credentials. Registered apprenticeships earn you paid work experience plus a nationally recognized credential.

TIME
A bachelor's degree typically takes about four years. An associate degree runs about two years, and certificates are often shorter. Trade and technical programs are usually two years or less. Apprenticeship length varies by occupation — but you're working and earning the whole time.

COST
Four-year institutions tend to carry the highest total cost, though grants and scholarships can significantly lower what you actually pay. Community college tuition is typically lower, and living at home reduces costs further. Trade school cost varies widely — shorter programs aren't always cheaper. Apprenticeships flip the model entirely: you earn a wage from day one, with increases as your skills grow.

LEARNING + STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Four-year schools offer broad academic options, research opportunities, housing, clubs, and athletics. Community colleges are flexible and commuter-friendly, with options for transfer prep or career training. Trade and technical schools are hands-on and occupation-specific, with less emphasis on traditional campus life. In an apprenticeship, you're an employee — learning happens at work alongside a mentor and in related classroom instruction.

BEFORE YOU CHOOSE, ASK YOURSELF:
↳ What credential does your desired career actually require?
↳ What will you pay after grants and scholarships?
↳ Is the program accredited or approved?
↳ Does it prepare you for required licensing or certification?
↳ What are its completion, employment, and earnings outcomes?
↳ Will credits transfer where you need them to?
Every school, program, and apprenticeship is different. Research each one individually before deciding.

08/10/2026

The Gates Scholarship is NOW OPEN! 🌟

This highly selective scholarship provides funding toward the full cost of attendance for outstanding students from low-income households—including tuition, fees, books, housing, and food.

Could you be eligible? Students must:
✅ Be a current high school senior
✅ Be Pell-eligible
✅ Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
✅ Have at least a 3.3 weighted GPA
✅ Plan to attend a four-year, accredited U.S. college or university full-time

The application is open NOW through September 15, 2026! ⏰

👉 Don’t wait—start your application today!

08/07/2026

Attention 2025 & 2026 Montana GEAR UP Graduates!🎓

Have you claimed your Montana GEAR UP Scholarship yet? Don't leave money for college on the table!

If you graduated in 2025 or 2026 and are eligible for the 21st Century Scholarship, be sure to complete the steps to claim your award before the deadline. These funds are here to help you take the next step toward your education and career goals.

💻 Visit Award Montana website to claim your scholarship.
📞 Questions? Reach out to the Montana GEAR UP team—we're here to help!

Your hard work got you here. Now make sure you take advantage of the support you've earned!