(Updated) High School seniors awarded $125,000 in Youth Serve Montana Scholarships

(Updated 4-1-2024): An earlier press release contained incorrect information. The Roundup apologizes for any inconvenience caused. The corrected release is as follows:

HELENA, MT- The Governor's Office of Community Service (ServeMontana), Reach Higher Montana, and Montana Campus Compact (MTCC) are pleased announce 100 Montana high school seniors have been awarded Youth Serve Montana Scholarships. This scholarship is offered in two awards, $1,000 for 50-99 hours of service and $1,500 for 100+ hours of service to attend a Montana Campus Compact member institution next fall.

"We are honored to recognize the valuable contributions of these high school seniors who dedicated their time and efforts to uplift others" said Kelly Cresswell, Executive Director of Reach Higher Montana. "Beyond funding education, the Youth Serve Montana Scholarships honor a spirit of service, inspiring these future leaders to continue making meaningful impacts in their communities."

The Youth Serve Montana Scholarship was created to promote volunteerism among high school students. Funds are available through support from Montana Campus Compact, a network of Montana campuses committed to community service; Reach Higher Montana, a nonprofit dedicated to helping students pursue and fund post-secondary education; and the Governor's Office of Community Service, the state agency tasked with expanding and promoting community service in Montana. The Governor's Office of Community Service administers the scholarship funds.

"These scholarships are not just about rewarding students" said Josh Vanek, Director of Montana Campus Compact. "Their volunteerism develops a culture of compassion and leadership, where every act of service is a steppingstone towards a brighter collective future."

The Youth Serve Montana Scholarship is offered annually with the application opening each fall.

The Governor's Office of Community Service expands and promotes national service and volunteerism in Montana and engages citizens in service. Visit serve.mt.gov.