Welcome to the scholarship page. There is a wealth of information below. The most current local scholarships are listed first, followed by state and national opportunities. Take your time to explore please!

BCHS SCHOLARSHIP LIST

OPEN TO UNDERCLASSMEN (9-11)

NA

SENIOR (12) SCHOLARSHIP

Montana University System Honor Scholarship

The MUS Honor Scholarship (MUSHS) is a 4-year renewable scholarship, which waives the recipient’s tuition when used at an eligible campus. Its average value at a 4-year Montana campus is $5,000 a year or $20,000 for four years. The scholarship does not cover mandatory or class fees. Students should ask the college for a list of fees that are not covered by the scholarship. The Board of Regents intends to offer up to 200 scholarships (contingent upon continued funding of the program) annually. This scholarship will be awarded in accordance with the MUSH Eligibility and Criteria Procedures.

Open NOW DUE March 15th, 2024! Apply here

Montana's STEM/Healthcare Scholarship Program

Montana’s STEM/Healthcare Scholarship Program is designed to provide an incentive for Montana high school students to prepare for, enter into, and complete degrees in postsecondary fields related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics and healthcare. The goal of this program is to increase the number of STEM/Healthcare degree recipients participating in Montana’s workforce. View the STEM Fact Sheet and access the FAQ page. $1000.

Open NOW DUE March 15th, 2024! Apply Here 

Horatio Alger Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Criteria: Any graduating senior who is committed to pursuing a bachelor's degree, demonstrates critical financial need ($65,000 or lower adjusted gross family income), and US Citizenship.

Amount: $10,000. Students attending U of M or MSU system schools will receive an extra $5000.

See counseling office for more details or visit these websites.

Eligibility and Application Online

Explore more from Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, INC. Here.

While most other scholarships focus exclusively on academic achievement or leadership potential, Horatio Alger Scholarships are also intended for promising students who have critical financial need, demonstrate integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, and are determined to succeed.

DUE March 15, 2024.

Montana Food Distributors Association Scholarships:

Any graduating Senior who is either employed in the food industry or has family relationship within the food industry should apply.

See Mrs. Hankins for the application.

Due: March 18, 2024

Larry and Darlene Christiansen Vocation/Technical Scholarship 
 
$1000 for senior who is planning to attend a Vocational or Technical school to pursue a career in the trades that get stuff done.  For example, auto repair, electrician, plumber, welder, logger, Etc
 
Candidates must be a BCHS graduate in 2024.

Download Application

DUE: March, 22nd  2024!

WHEELER VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR MUSIC


Richard and Dorothy Wheeler are supporters of music and youth in the Dillon Public Schools.  They would like to give a scholarship to a graduating senior who plans to continue vocal music in some way during his/her post high school education.  The $500 scholarship will be given half each semester to the school of the recipient’s choice.  Applications are due by March 22nd 2:30 to Mrs. Raffety (kraffety@bchsmt.com) or Mrs. Van Slyke (cvanslyke@bchsmt.com ).

Download application.

Farm Bureau Scholarships:

 Southwest Counties will be offering two $750 scholarships to local area students.  Winners will be forwarded along to the State Farm Bureau office where two $1500 scholarships will be awarded.  

The only requirement for the scholarship is that the applicant or applicants family be Farm Bureau members.  Academic excellence, community involvement, involvement in Agriculture Education and pursuit of a career in Agriculture are the main areas where applicants will be judged.

The application process is completely online and winners will be selected in April.  I have attached the links below. 

Women's leadership

Montana Farm Bureau Foundation

Due March 25th

Montana Community Foundation

For nearly 36 years, the Montana Commiunity Foundation has been awarding scholarships to students across the state. Last year, they awarded a record number of scholarships, woith more the $1 million going out to 200 deserving students throughout Montana to support their education advancements.

Apply online!

DUE March 31, 2024.

High Peaks Federal Credit Union

Our scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors who are affiliated with High Peaks FCU. In submitting the application, the winner agrees to use the funds provided by our Credit Union during the first quarter/semester of his/her Freshman year, or the award is forfeited and the alternate will be selected. Applications must be submitted by April 1st 2024. They can be mailed to HPFCU, PO Box 29, Dillon, MT 59725, or emailed to communities@highpeaksfcu.com.

Download Application

Dillon Jaycees Scholarship Application

The Dillon Jaycees offer a $1000 scholarship to a student from Beaverhead County. Students must submit all information needed by

Due April 1st, 2024.

Download application.

Chris Mehring Memorial Golf Scholarship

Please pick up application in the counseling office.

Due April 1st, 2024

Montana Outdoor Property Group

2 $500 scholarships available. Please submit a letter of application and your resume to

Montana Outdoor Property Group

P.O. Box 645

Ennis, MT 59729

DUE April 1st, 2024

OrthoRehab Physical Therapy's Scholarship

This fund was established in 2016 to support an undergraduate education for a graduating senior who most exemplifies OrthoRehab’s motto of “Reach Your Peak”. The selected student will receive a $500 scholarship, presented at your school's awards ceremony. Students should have their completed applications to the BCHS counselor no later than April 5, 2023.

Download Application

United Way of Beaverhead County

The Beaverhead County Community Service Scholarship recognizes high school seniors who have given back locally and globally to their community through volunteer service. The scholarship award is $1,000.00 and will be sent directly to the recipient's accredited college, trade, or vocational institution of attendance in two installments upon enrollment verification.  

DUE April 5th, 2024

Download application.

Clara and Ted Hazelbaker Scholarship

Pioneer Federal Savings and Load Associates present this scholarships of $1500. Please pickup applications in the counseling office.

DUE April 5th, 2024

VFW Post 9040 High School Scholarship

2 $500 scholarships available: 1 for a family with a veteran and 1 without. Please pick up applications in the counseling office.

DUE April 8th, 2024

Beaverhead Federation of Teachers Scholarship

Montana Sheriffs and Peace officer Scholarship

2 $1500 scholarships available for seniors graduating and wanting a career in local law enforcement. Please pick up an application in the counseling office.

DUE April 15th, 2024

Black Mountain Software Scholarship

Black Mountain Software will be awarding two $1,000.00 scholarships to graduating seniors in Montana.

Any Montana high school senior graduating in 2024 may apply if he or she will be attending an accredited institution of higher education. These accredited institutions include trade schools, technical schools, colleges or universities. The applicant’s field of study may be any field that they want to pursue.

Applications and essays must be submitted electronically to Black Mountain Software. Please see the scholarship application for the specific address along with instructions for completing the application form and requirements for the essay. All submissions must be emailed on or before April 15, 2024.

The scholarship application is found here: BMS_Scholarship2024.pdf

Sarah Pelletier Memorial Scholarship

Sarah Pelletier came into this world a fighter.  She spent the next 24 years of her life teaching everyone who knew her about determination, finding joy, and never letting the trials we face bring us down.  She was an inspiration to many and brought love and laughter into the lives of those she came in contact with.  The community of Dillon played a huge role in Sarah being able to live her best life.  This scholarship is a way to honor the life Sarah lived and give back to the community she called home. 

REQUIREMENTS: 

Completed application cover page  and personal essay.

Please return to the BCHS Counselor no later than April 24, 2024 

Download Application

Dr. David B Mitchell Memorial Scholarship

In honor of Dr. David Bruce Mitchell, his family would like to provide 2- $1,000 scholarship to BCHS students planning to pursue a career in the medical field or environmental science.  Dr. Mitchell was a graduate of BCHS and received his bachelor's degree at the University of Montana. He was commissioned in the Army where he attended medical school at the University of Colorado. Dr. Mitchell practiced in Washington and lived in Tacoma with his family. Dr. Mitchell epitomized kindness, dignity and honor. His family would like to continue his legacy with a scholarship in his name. 

Qualifications:  

  • Graduate of Beaverhead County High School 

  • Acceptance to a college or university in any US state. 

  • Plans to pursue a degree in the medical field or environmental science.  

Please complete and submit an application with transcripts to the BCHS Counselor 

Download Application

DUE April 29, 2024

Dillon Elks Lodge NO 1554

Many trades have a shortage of trained people. The Dillon ELks Lodge created a Scholarship Fund to help motivated Beaverhead County High School graduates attend the College, Technical School or Vo-Tech School of their choice. Emphasize your volunteer hours.

Download application

DUE April 29, 2024

Grasshopper Ladies Valley Club

We are happy to offer two $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors this year.  Attached is the scholarship application.  Applications should be emailed or postmarked by April 30 this year, though please encourage students to apply as soon as possible.  

Download application

DUE April 30th, 2024

SCHOLARSHIP TOOLKIT

Seniors download the Scholarship Toolkit !!!!!!!!

WHAT KINDS OF SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE?

SOME SCHOLARSHIPS FOR COLLEGE ARE MERIT-BASED. YOU EARN THEM BY MEETING OR EXCEEDING CERTAIN STANDARDS SET BY THE SCHOLARSHIP-GIVER. MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS MIGHT BE AWARDED BASED ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OR ON A COMBINATION OF ACADEMICS AND A SPECIAL TALENT, TRAIT, OR INTEREST. OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS ARE BASED ON FINANCIAL NEED. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF STUDENTS TO SEEK OUT AND APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS.

MANY SCHOLARSHIPS ARE GEARED TOWARD PARTICULAR GROUPS OF PEOPLE; FOR INSTANCE, THERE ARE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WOMEN OR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS. AND SOME ARE AVAILABLE BECAUSE OF WHERE YOU OR YOUR PARENT, OR BECAUSE YOU COME FROM A CERTAIN BACKGROUND (FOR INSTANCE, THERE ARE:

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES

A SCHOLARSHIP MIGHT COVER THE ENTIRE COST OF YOUR TUITION, OR IT MIGHT BE A ONE-TIME AWARD OF A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS. EITHER WAY, IT'S WORTH APPLYING FOR BECAUSE IT WILL HELP REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR EDUCATION. KNOW THAT YOU MAY APPLY FOR 20 SCHOLARSHIPS AND ONLY RECEIVE A COUPLE BUT MAKE SURE THAT YOU FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS AND MAKE EACH APPLICATION NEAT AND FOCUSED TO WHAT THE SPONSOR IS LOOKING FOR. 

THE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH 

 WEBSITE HAS A TON OF INFORMATION ABOUT LOOKING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS.

HOW DO I FIND SCHOLARSHIPS:

You can learn about scholarships in several ways, including contacting the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend and checking information in a public library or online. But be careful - make sure scholarship information and offers you receive are legitimate and remember that you don't have to pay to find scholarships or other financial aid. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO SEEK OUT AND APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS.

Try these free sources of information about scholarships:

Scholarships for students with Disabilities or chronic illness:

  • www.aahd.us/initiatives/scholarship-program/ – The American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) Scholarship Program provides scholarships for people with disabilities. Application deadline for the following academic year is November 15th.

  • www.needymeds.org/scholarships.taf – Lists scholarships that are offered for students (or students with a family member) with specific medical conditions.

  • www.patientadvocate.org – Scholarships for individuals pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies who have been diagnosed with or treated for cancer, a chronic, or life-threatening debilitating disease as a child or young adult.

Scholarships for Minority Students

Scholarship Resources Related to Military and Public Service Groups

  • https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/ - U.S Department of Veterans Affairs link to information and resources on the GI Bill.

  • www.elks.org/enf/scholars/ – High school seniors are eligible to apply. Applicants need not be related to a member of the Elks.

  • mcsf.scholarshipapps.org/index.cfm – The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides need-based scholarships to the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen who attend college or career training.

  • www.truman.gov – The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation supports the graduate education and professional development of outstanding young people committed to public service leadership.

Raise.me

Go to http://www.raise.me to learn more about this interesting scholarship program. Students can create a portfolio starting in 9th grade to which they add their achievements as they move through high school. Examples of achievements can be earning an A in a class or joining a certain club/organization. For each achievement, colleges have the opportunity to award "micro-scholarships" which add up over time. Various schools across the country, including the University of Montana, participate.

Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors holds a monthly $1,000 college scholarship contest where students write an essay in response to a monthly prompt. Visitors to the Varsity Tutors scholarship webpage are able to vote via social media for submitted entries. The top five entries with the most votes are reviewed by Varsity Tutors at the end of the month and one winner is subsequently chosen to receive the $1,000 college scholarship. Interested students can enter the contest here: http://www.varsitytutors.com/college-scholarship

Scholarship Guidance

The Scholarship Guidance website atwww.scholarshipguidance.com displays a frequently updated list of scholarships available for a wide variety of interests and age levels. You can register to receive updates on available scholarships or like their Facebook page to have scholarships sent to your Facebook.

Scholar Snapp - A free, simple to use data standard that allows students to reuse their application information - including contact information, essays, transcripts, etc. - from one scholarship application to another thereby streamlining the college scholarship application process.

  1. Scholly – YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS SITE !! A mobile app that provides students with a fast and simple way to find scholarships for college. (Created by Christopher Gray, a Coca-Cola Scholar!)

  2. Bold.org- A variety of scholarships from Golf, to women in STEM. Create a profile to get matched to scholarships.

  3. Peerlift - Proven scholarships, internships, summer programs, and more gathered by fellow students like you. (Founded by a team of 2017 Coca-Cola Scholars!) Learn more about the creation of Peerlift.

  4. Fastweb – Create a profile and let fastweb do the research on scholarships, internships colleges and more for you.

  5. CashCourse – Information that helps college students stay financially informed.

  6. Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation – Educational and scholarship opportunities for students of all levels.

  7. Cappex – A free website where you can learn which colleges want you, before you apply and learn about more than $11 billion in merit aid scholarships.

  8. Scholarships.com– A free college scholarship search and financial aid information.

  9. Scholarship America – Provides information and resources for your scholarships as a freshman or sophomore in College.

  10. KnowHow2GO – Complete information on college prep, whether in middle school or seniors.

  11. HS Finder (Hispanic Scholarship Fund) – Scholarship information for Latino students.

  12. Thurgood Marshall College Fund – Provides scholarships, programmatic and capacity building support to the 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

  13. Gates Millennium Scholars – Provides outstanding low income African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline they choose.

  14. Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund – The nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted to providing college scholarships for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).

  15. American Indian College Fund – Provides Native American students with scholarships and financial support for the nation’s 33 accredited tribal colleges and universities.

  16. Aviation Scholarships for Montana students and residences. 

  17. Dell Scholars Program – Recognizes academic potential and determination in students that have a definite need for financial assistance.

  18. UNCF – Awards 10,000 students each year through 400 scholarship and internship programs so that students from low- and moderate-income families can afford college tuition, books and room and board.

  19. Chegg – A place to connect with scholarships and learn about colleges.

  20. Reagan Foundation Scholarships - Scholarship opportunities for outstanding student leaders.

  21. Goizueta Legacy Scholarship - Provides scholarships for the children of Coca-Cola employees.

  22. American Indian Graduate Center & AIGCS - The largest scholarship providers to Native students in the United States, awarding $15 million in scholarships annually and more than $200 million since inception. For almost 50 years, AIGC has funded students pursing undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in any field of study at any accredited institution of choice, working with over 500 tribes in all 50 states.

  23. EDUMED- Scholarships for students in the Healthcare field.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • FinAid – Links to scholarships, grants, loans, and graduate aid.

  • StudentAid.gov – Information from the U.S. Department of Education on preparing for and funding education beyond high school.

  • College Affordability Guide – This site’s mission is to provide clear, correct info and advice on the many options students have to reduce the cost of their degree, and to offer a fresh analysis of which colleges are doing the most to make high-quality education affordable.

STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

The U.S. Department of State provides over 1,000 merit-based scholarships each year for U.S. high school students to study abroad for a summer or an academic year in over 25 countries. These high school exchange programs prepare young Americans to succeed in the 21st century’s global economy by developing their foreign language skills, increasing their cross-cultural understanding, strengthening their leadership capacity, and fostering new academic insights and ambitions. The CBYX, NSLI-Y, and YES Abroad programs are accepting applications now, Youth Ambassadors will be open soon

Students can learn more about our programs at https://careers.state.gov/internsfellows/pathways-programs/student-programs-overview/ [careers.state.gov] and stay informed of upcoming opportunities by joining our talent network at https://bit.ly/3N90csj [gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]

High School Student Programs- Upcoming deadlines!

 CBYX |The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program: An exchange program jointly offered by the U.S. and German governments. CBYX offers opportunities to study and work abroad for high school students, recent high school graduates with a vocational interest, and young professionals.  No previous language experience required. For more information, visit www.exchanges.state.gov/cbyx [exchanges.state.gov]. Application Deadline: Dec. 1, 2022

 FLEX |Future Leaders Exchange Abroad Program: Students live with a host family and attend high school in one of three FLEX countries—Georgia, Kazakhstan, or Poland. For more information, visit FLEX Abroad | Discover FLEX [gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]. Application Deadline: December 7, 2022

 YES ABROAD | Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad: High School students and recent graduates (age 15-18) live and study for an academic year in the Middle East, Asia, or Europe on a full scholarship. For more information, visit www.yes-abroad.org [gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]. Application Deadline: December 7, 2022.

 Youth Ambassadors Program: Connects high school students and adult mentors both in-person and virtually from across the Western Hemisphere to promote mutual understanding, increase leadership skills, and prepare youth to make a difference in their communities. For more information, visit Youth Ambassadors Program - World Learning [gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]. Application Deadline: December 12, 2022.

 NSLI-Y | National Security Language Initiative for Youth: NSLI-Y provides overseas critical language study opportunities in Arabic, Indonesian, Mandarin, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Russian, or Turkish to American youth. For more information, visit NSLI for Youth | Scholarship to Study Language Abroad [gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]. Application Opens: October 2023 (please consider applying next year)

 

WESTERN UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is an agreement among WICHE’s 16 member states and territories, through which 160+ participating public colleges and universities provide steep nonresident tuition savings for Western students.

Through WUE, eligible students can choose from hundreds of undergraduate programs outside their home state, and pay no more than 150 percent of that institution’s resident tuition rate.

Since full nonresident college-tuition rates may exceed 300 percent of resident rates, WUE increases affordable higher-education choices for students, and minimizes the adverse impacts of student loan debt.

Participating States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

MONTANA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS, AND TUITION WAIVERS

THE MONTANA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OFFERS SEVERAL STATE-FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS

  • MUS Honor Scholarship: The MUS Honor Scholarship is a four-year renewable scholarship, which waives the recipient’s tuition when used at an eligible campus. Its average value at a 4-year Montana campus is $5,000 a year or $20,000 for four years. The Board of Regents intends to offer up to 200 scholarships (contingent upon continued funding of the program) annually.            DEADLINE MARCH 15

  • 2 + 2 Honor Scholarship: The 2 + 2 Honor Scholarship is awarded annually to students who graduate with an associate degree from a 2-year campus of the Montana University System or a Montana Community College . The scholarship consists of a waiver of undergraduate tuition at any 4-year unit of the Montana University System and may be received up to a total of four continuous (fall/spring) semesters.

  • Montana’s STEM Scholarship: Montana’s STEM Scholarship Program is designed to provide an incentive for Montana high school students to prepare for, enter into, and complete degrees in postsecondary fields related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics and healthcare. DEADLINE MARCH 15

  • Montana Access Scholarship – contact your financial aid office to learn more. The 66th Montana Legislature approved $2 million in state need-based student aid that, when matched one-to-one by private donations from the campus Foundations, will provide a total of $4 million in financial aid for students across the Montana University System (MUS) over the next two years (FY2020 and FY2021).

  • MUS PASS Grants – contact your financial aid office to learn more. Experiencing unforeseen financial hardship due to illness, accident, or something else? These funds are available to assist students working through unforeseen, one-time occurrences. When appropriate, preference will be given to students who are in jeopardy of not persisting due to their hardship.

  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) – awarded by financial aid office, based on exceptional financial need. Because funds are limited, students who submit their FAFSA by the priority filing date of December 1st have a greater chance of being considered for a SEOG.

  • Work Study – awarded by financial aid office. Recipients are paid an hourly rate according to the job skills required. All student employees are paid at least minimum wage. You will need to arrange a work schedule with the job supervisor based on your class schedule and assignments. Work is limited to an average of 20 hours per week while class is in session and 40 hours per week when classes are not in session.

MONTANA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES: THESE ARE LINKS TO ALL MT COLLEGES FINANCIAL AID WEBSITES.

Aaniiih Nakoda College


Blackfeet Community College


Carroll College


Chief Dull Knife College


City College at Montana State University Billings


Dawson Community College


Flathead Valley Community College


Fort Peck Community College


Gallatin College MSU


Great Falls College MSU


Helena College


Highlands College


Little Big Horn College


Miles Community College


Montana State University


Montana State University Billings


Montana State University Northern


Montana Technological University


Rocky Mountain College


Salish Kootenai College


Stone Child College


UM/Missoula College


University of Montana


University of Montana Western


University of Providence