STUDENT RESOURCES

STUDENT & COUNSELOR

RESOURCES financial aid& schol arshipresources career expl orationresources first generationresources gear up, trio, tal ent search, & upwardboundresources foster careresources homel ess youthresources mental healthresources & more

STUDENT RESOURCES

M ORE RESOURCES & LI NK S ONLI NE @ M ontanaCol l eges.com/ resources -

Visit us online for more resources and links on:

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first generationresources gear up, trio, tal ent search, & upwardboundresources foster careresources homel ess youthresources career expl orationresources financial aid& schol arshipresources & mores

QUESTI ONS TO CONSI DER -

W hich higher educat ion opt ions make t he most sense for me?

A wide range of post secondary options exist today, from types of schools (public, private, non-profit, and for-profit schools) to types of programs (targeted certificate programs, two-year Associate degree programs, four- year programs, apprenticeships, specialized training, and others).

Students can mix online and classroom learning, or take all their courses online.

Given all these options, it is important to figure out what?s important to you.

The questions below may help you narrow down your post secondary options.

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W hat t o Consider W hen Choosing a College or Training Program?

Do you prefer to live in or near your current community?

Do you prefer to live on campus or commute to campus?

Do you plan to work while you pursue a post secondary degree?

Do you need a flexible classschedule?

Are you interested in pursuing a specific occupation or a general liberal artsdegree?

Do you prefer to attend a large or small post secondary institution?

Are you interested in studying abroad?

Is it important to participate in student groupsand extracurricular activities?

How do your financial aid options(e.g., Federal grantsand loans, scholarships) compare to the cost of tuition at post secondary institutionsyou are considering?

Is there a particular program or major you are interested in studying?If so, do the post secondary institutionsyou are considering offer thisprogram or major?

If you are interested in a particular career, do the post secondary institutionsyou are considering offer programsand degreesthat meet the educational requirements for that career?

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W hat do I need t o know when applying for post secondary educat ion?

Every college has its own application requirements.

Different programs within the same school may even have different requirements.

Learn exactly what a school requires by visiting its website or checking with its admissions office.

Many schools charge an application fee. However, schools often offer an application fee waiver to eligible students.

Always check with the school to determine if this fee can be waived for you.

Start preparing well before the application deadline and make sure to check and double-check everything before you submit it.

Contacts | Serv i ces/ Departments/ A cademi c Support on M ontana Col l ege Campuses -

Un iver sit y of M on t an a/ M issou la College |

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SSSCit yCollege@m su billin gs.edu

Aber Hall 3r d Floor | (406) 243-5032 -

Cit y College | Tech Bu ildin g A021| 406-247-3051 -

TRIO Student Success Services Program

advising, engagement, financial aid

| erin.shaw@mso.umt.edu -

M on t an a St at e Un iver sit y/ Gallat in College |

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Gr eat Falls College M SU | Academ ic Su ccess Cen t er | 406-771-5121

314 Reid Hall | 406-994-7455 -

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TRIO Student Success Services ? tutoring,

Flat h ead Valley Com m u n it y College | Lear n in g

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406-756-3880 TRIO Student Success Services ? tutoring,

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M iles Cit y Com m u n it y College | Th e Lear n in g

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aid

Ferris, Dolly, Financial Aid Specialist (406) 874-6208 | FerrisD@milescc.edu

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Un iver sit y of Pr oviden ce | 406-791-5915 -

Daw son Com m u n it y College | Daw son Pr om ise

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Daneen Peterson |

Helen a College UM | Don aldson 139 |

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M on t an a Tech / High lan ds College | Healt h Scien ces Bu ildin g, 203 | 406-496-4696

406-447-6956 -

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TRIO Student Success Services ? tutoring,

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Ann Wilcockson, Director

M on t an a St at e Un iver sit y, Nor t h er n | Cow an

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Black f eet Com m u n it y College | Academ ic

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TRIO Student Success Services

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Director of Student Support Services

En r ich m en t Ser vices, M ain Bu ildin g |

Carmen Lunak |

406-338-5421

carmen.lunak@msun.edu| 406.265.3520

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Ch ief Du ll Kn if e College | St u den t Ser vices Pr ogr am , M ain Hallw ay | 406-477-6215

TRIO Student Success Services ? tutoring, advising, engagement, financial aid

St on e Ch ild College | St u den t Ser vices | 406-395-4875

Un iver sit y of M on t an a West er n | M ain Hall 215 | 406-683-7332

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Theresa Rader, Director

Aan iiih Nakoda College | Su ccess Cen t er , Nakoda Hall | 406-353-3937

Hall, 211 | 406-265-3783 | sss@m su n .edu

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TRIO Student Success Services ? tutoring, advising, engagement, financial aid

advising, engagement, financial aid -

Carilyn Voorhies,Director ocarilyn.voorhies@uprovidence.edu

dpeterson@dawson.edu -

TRIO Student Success Services ? tutoring, advising, engagement, financial aid

Pr ogr am | 406-377-3061 -

TRIO Services for Academic Success ? tutoring, advising, engagement, financial

Cen t er , Room 208| 406-874-6152 -

Annette Walstad, Director

Rock y M ou n t ain College | For t in Edu cat ion Cen t er | 406-657-1070

advising, engagement, financial aid -

Car r oll College | Sain t s Su ccess Cen t er ,Bor r om eo Hall 102 | 406-447-5434

Resou r ce Cen t er St u den t Lou n ge (LRC) , 102 | -

Financial Aid 406.771.4334 finaid@gfcmsu.edu

advising, engagement, financial aid -

TRIO Student Success Services ? tutoring,

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Salish Koot en ai College | St u den t Su ccess Of f ice, 108 | 406-275-4868

Rob Micken, Director

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M on t an a St at e Un iver sit y-Billin gs | Libr ar y, 141

kimberly_barber@skc.edu

| 406-657-2162 TRIO_SSS@m su billin gs.edu -

TRIO Student Success Services ? tutoring,

Director / Success Coach - Kim Barber |

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For t Peck Com m u n it y College | St u den t Su ccess Ser vices | 406-768-6343

advising, engagement, financial aid

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TRIO Student Success Services ? tutoring, advising, engagement, financial aid

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David James, Director

Lit t le Big Hor n College | Academ ic Su ccess Ser vices | 406-638-3104

M A SFA A & Fi nanci al A i d about :

masf aaonl i ne.org

The Mont ana Associat ion of St udent Financial Aid Administ rat ors (MASFAA) is an organzation serving the needs of students, institutions of higher education, government agencies, and private funding sources through the coordination of plans and programs for student financial aid.

In addition, MASFAA assists with communications between institutions of post-secondary education and sponsors of student financial aid.

The Association serves as the State forum and acts as the focus for the expression of views on matters relating to the development, funding, and administration of student financial aid at the state, regional, and national levels.

Sh are your f eedback w i th us!

Tell us what you would like t o see for support in Financial Aid / FASAA / et c. We are here t o help! Tell us what you would like at t he survey on t he next page. Thank you!

Resources Financial Aid Scholarships Resources for Colleges Resources for Counselors Resources for Students & More!

Vi si t u s on l i n e @ M ASFAAOn l i n e.or g

M ontana GEA R UP about :

560 N. Park A v e.

PO Box 203201 Hel ena, M ontana 59620-3201 mus.edu/ gearup

Mission: Montana GEAR UP believes that post secondary education is possible for all Montana students, regardless of economic background.Montana GEAR UP supports schools, students, and their families to increase students? college and career readiness through academic preparedness, post secondary planning, and financial aid knowledge so that they may succeed in their education beyond high school.

Vision: Montana GEAR UP will be the model for elevating the potential of all students to pursue post-secondary success.

Quick Fact s -

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Serves Students in 7-12th grades at 18 middle schools and their receiving high schools to improve high school graduation and college enrollment rates.

Partners with post secondary institutions to support GEAR UP college freshman with their transition to and retention in college.

Will serve 8,800 students, including 5,800 American Indian Students, by the end of the grant.

Resources College Exploration Career Exploration Financial Aid Scholarships Resources for Parents Resources for Counselors Resources for Students & More!

Vi si t u s on l i n e @ w w w .m u s.ed u / gear u p

M ontana Uni v ersi ty System

applym on t an a@m on t an a.edu (406) 449-9124 m u s.ed u ap p l y m on t an a.m u s.ed u

Services offered: College & Career Explorat ion, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Resources for Parent s, Counselors, and St udent s

about :

The Montana University System offers hundreds of unique programs which allow you flexibility to explore your interests and find programs and degrees that are suited for every kind of learner.

The Montana University System (MUS) is comprised of sixteen public universities and colleges, enrolling more than 40,000 students each semester.

This website is designed to provide students, parents, and the public easy access to critical information about enrolling and succeeding in the Montana University System, such as, information on preparing for college, financial aid, transfer of credits, and distance learning.

Resources College Exploration Career Exploration Financial Aid Scholarships Resources for Parents Resources for Counselors Resources for Students & More!

Vi si t u s on l i n e @ w w w .m u s.ed u

(406) 396-1935

M ontana Of f i ce of Publ i c I nstructi on

N i col e.Fr i el i n g@m t .gov 1227 11t h Av e.

H el en a, M T 59601 w w w .gem s.op i .m t .gov

Services offered: Resources for Parent s, Counselors and for School Teams

MISSION:

about :

The objective of Montana?s Statewide Longitudinal Data System, GEMS, is to promote and provide a sustainable system to the public, stakeholders, leaders and researchers equipping decision-making procedures and evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes. GEMS and the support provided through GEMS (1) enhances the Montana OPI?s ability to efficiently and accurately manage, analyze and use education data, (2) guides districts, schools and educators to make data-informed decisions to improve student learning and outcomes, (3) supports research to increase student achievement and close achievement gaps, and (4) educates the public of the trends and patterns surrounding the success of Montana?s students. GEMS utilizes interactive data visualizations and accessible data reports to represent the accurate data stories for Montana?s schools and students over time. The data and tools provided in GEMS are further supported with the development of training materials and resources to ensure the public, stakeholders, and leaders have the foundational knowledge to utilize the data-informing potential of GEMS.

GEMS equips school teams with data to support the work they are already doing to help their students find success in their school.

A D V I CE CO L U M N Our advice is most relevant to counselors and school teams rather than students directly.

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Students are coming to school with more issues than ever before and we need more of this data support in dealing with these issues.

- from a Montana educator

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I plan to use GEMS to provide data that identifies and supports district needs, and to use the data to help provide justification for implementing programs, recruiting mental health providers, and other specialists to help all students learn.

- from a Montana school leader

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Access to reliable data can equip school teams with the tools for data-informed decision making, ultimately supporting efforts to close gaps in graduation and achievement for Montana students.

Resources Data Usage

Vi si t u s on l i n e @ w w w .gem s.op i .m t .gov

Introduction to Hub Course

Tutorials

Hub Packet Version

Best Practices

Early Warning System

Dashboard Navigation

Counselors and school team members should ask us: How would the Early WarningSystem help our school support students who are at risk of droppingout?

Reach Hi gh er M ontana & Youth A pprenti cesh i p

(406) 422-1275 I n f o@Reach H i gh er M on t an a.or g 7 W est 6t h Av en u e Su i t e 615 H el en a, M T 59601

PO Box 5209 H el en a, M T 59604

w w w .Reach H i gh er M on t an a.or g

Services offered: College & Career Explorat ion, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Resources for Parent s, Counselors, and St udent s

MISSION:

Reach Higher Montana is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Helena and working throughout Montana to help students achieve personal success in education, career, and life. In addition to scholarships for students and educators. Reach Higher Montana provides outreach services to students and parents, and delivers a number of impactful programs serving Montana students. To learn more, visit our website, www.ReachHigherMontana.org, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Resources Student Support Services

Reach High er M on t an a h elps st u den t s st r at egically pu r su e edu cat ion al oppor t u n it ies.

Got dr eam s? Take you r sh ot , an d w e can h elp!

Scholarship & Financial Aid College & Career Exploration Youth Apprenticeship Youth In Foster Care Vi si t u s on l i n e @

- We h elp M on t an a st u den t s m ak e plan s f or lif e af t er h igh sch ool, in clu din g w or k -based lear n in g, college, or t h e w or k f or ce? an d m an y opt ion s in bet w een .

Reach High er M on t an a.or g h as t h e in f or m at ion , t ools, an d r esou r ces t o h elp st u den t s plan t h eir f u t u r es an d pr epar e f or lif e af t er h igh sch ool. Ou r h elpf u l w ebsit e in clu des videos an d gu ides, a dir ect or y of M on t an a sch olar sh ips, an d m u ch m or e.

w w w .Reach H i gh er M on t an a.or g

- We h ave exper ien ced, k n ow ledgeable, an d f r ien dly t eam of ou t r each advisor s w or k in g t h r ou gh ou t M on t an a t o su ppor t st u den t s, par en t s, an d edu cat or s.

Follow u s on Social M edia f or advice, even t s, n ew s, an d sch olar sh ip oppor t u n it ies.

((303) 426-8900

A meri can I ndi an Col l ege Fund

sch ol ar sh i p s@col l egef u n d .or g 8333 Gr een w ood Bl v d # 120 Den v er , CO 8022 h t t p s:/ / col l egef u n d .or g

Services offered: College & Career Explorat ion, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Resources for Parent s, Counselors, and St udent s

MISSION: about :

For more than 30 years, the American Indian College Fund has been committed to transparency and accountability while serving our students, tribal colleges, and communities. We consistently receive top ratings from independent charity evaluators.

The American Indian College Fund supports Native communities through scholarships for Native students and program funding for tribal colleges and universities. The College Fund advances strategies that create lasting and sustainable change, and that support cultural revitalization, to ensure Native communities thrive now and into the future.

A D V I CE CO L U M N We?re here to help you prepare for college, and be successful when you arrive. Check out all of our student tips and resources to, no matter your path at h ttps:/ / col l egef und.org

Resources College Exploration Career Exploration Financial Aid Scholarships Resources for Parents Resources for Counselors Resources for Students & More!

Vi si t u s on l i n e @ w w w .col l egef u n d .or g

St udent s should ask us: How do I find college and career readiness resources, scholarship information, and more info on Tribal Colleges and Universities?

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The American Indian College Fund invests in Native students and tribal college education to transform lives and communities.

-from a staff member

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The College Fund and its supporters uphold the promise and importance of educational success for Native people and all of our futures.

- from a staff member

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M ontana Department Of Labor Career Lab

(406) 461-7994 m ar y el l en .ear n h ar d t @m t .gov 1315 L ock ey Av en u e P.O. BOX 1728 H el en a, M T 59601 l m i .m t .gov / car eer /

Services offered: College & Career Explorat ion, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Resources for Parent s, Counselors, and St udent s

MISSION: about :

Montana Career Lab is more than a resource to aid in career planning. The website features a collection of resources including publications, videos, activities, and online information to help make informed decisions about your future. This includes the Montana Career Information System (MCIS), an all-in-one career planning system that lets users search for and save detailed information on occupations, programs of study, scholarships, and self-assessments. Our publications walk users through each step of career planning, from exploring self-interest, work values, skills, to preparing for a job interview.

We are here to help you navigate your career path. Please do not hesitate in asking us for help.

" " "

I wished that I had the opportunity to learn more about the various occupations that were available to me when I was in school. The students today are lucky to have the MCIS. -from a staff member

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The Career Lab and the MCIS is one the most amazing resources that the state offers for students and educators and it is FREE. - from a staff member

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MCIS is a phenomenal resource available without cost to school counselors, students, and K-12 educators to assist in developmentally appropriate career exploration. It is engaging, fun and informative. We are so fortunate to have this system available in Montana. It is like discovering buried treasure!

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- from Renee Schoening, ED of MSCA

A D V I CE CO L U M N Always be open to learn about new opportunities in challenging yourself. You are constantly shaping who you are. Be prepared to face obstacles and use these experiences to help mold the person you are becoming. Never be afraid to seek out help from others.

Resources FINANCIAL AID: Financial Literacy

YOU h ol d th e k ey to your f uture!

OTHER: MCIS Resources Welcome Video Publications CIS 360 Access

Vi si t u s on l i n e @ l m i .m t .gov / car eer

Students should ask us: How can I set up a portfolio so I can use the MCIS?

Bi g Future Col l egeBoard

Contact Rach el Di x on rdi x on@col l egeboard.org 213-416-2136 w w w .Bi gFuture.org

Services offered: College & Career Explorat ion, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Resources for Parent s, Counselors, and St udent s

about : WHERE: bigfuture.org What is BigFuture?

BigFuture® is a free, comprehensive set of digital resources that helps all students take a productive first step after high school. With feedback from students, insights from professionals, and over 100 years of College Board expertise, the BigFuture personalized dashboard simplifies a complex process into key actions across three categories: Plan for College, Pay for College and Explore Careers.

New to BigFuture: Career Search Students connect their interests and skills to over 1,000 career profiles across a variety of education levels. They can view job requirements, projected salaries, and growth potential.

Win BigFuture Scholarships just for planning for life after high school Congratulations to Grayson Butler, ?Build Your College List?winner from Whitefish High School in Montana! Pictured below.

You could be our next winner!

Juniors and seniors who complete steps on their dashboard earn entries for monthly scholarship drawings that award nearly $3 million each year.Visit BigFuture.org to learn more.

Resources College Exploration Career Exploration Financial Aid Scholarships Resources for Parents Resources for Counselors Resources for Students & More!

Vi si t u s on l i n e @ w w w .Bi gFu t u r e.or g

STUDENT RESOURCES FIRST GENERATION

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Facts & Numbers FactsAbout First Generation Students -

Today, 1 in 3 undergraduates - nearly 5M students- identify as first-generation.

Compared to legacy student peers, first-gen students: -

Have fewer financial resources($41k median parental income vs. $90k).

Pursue college-level education at lower rates(72% vs. 93%).

Attain four-year degreesat lower rates(20% vs. 49%).

Median career earningsof a non-college graduate are $1M less than a college graduate.

First-gen student population will continue to grow rapidly in the coming years, asthe pipeline of first-time undergraduates isheavily weighted with first-gen students.

Addressing first-generation successhas inter-generational impact, assuccessful college completion is a significant predictor of education, workforce, and life successfor the familiesof graduates. (1) -

Am I a first -generat ion st udent ?

- A FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT INDICATES THAT A STUDENTS PARENTS DO NOT HAVE A BACHELOR?S DEGREE.

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How many Mont ana st udent s are first -generat ion?

- APPROXIMATELY 1/ 3 OF MONTANA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE FIRST-GENERATION.

Student Quotes

?Once they said I couldn?t do it, I thought well, I'm going to do it? ?My biggest motivation is my family? ?I learned to navigate the hidden rules of college?

STUDENT RESOURCES

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FIRST GENERATION STUDENT S

WEBSI TES & RESOURCES -

First Generation Student Success Affordable Colleges-!st Generation Support Reach Higher Montana I 'M First

I?m First! was created in 2013 to provide students who lack a family history of higher education with inspiration, information, and support on the road to and through college. I?m First! is an initiative of UStrive? a national nonprofit that also runs an online college and career mentoring program by the same name.

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First in the Family

Based in Providence, R.I., What Kids Can Do (WKCD) is a national nonprofit founded in 2001 by an educator and journalist with more than 70 years?combined experience supporting adolescent learning in and out of school. Although our work spans many fields, we have a deep commitment to college access and success for low-income students.

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ASPIRE

Our Mission ASPIRE, Inc.?s mission is to increase the educational and success opportunities for low-income and first-generation college students through advocacy, professional development, and legislative awareness.

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Rise First

OVER 1,200 CURATED RESOURCES TO ENABLE FIRST-GENERATION, LOW-INCOME SUCCESS

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Student Training & Education in Public Service - Online 1st Generation Guide College Advisor 9 tips for first-generation college students Advice for first-generation and low-income college students

Many school s, incl uding Mont ana col l eges, have specif ic f ir st - gener at ion schol ar ships. Make sur e t o ask t he col l ege r eps if t heir school has one.

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Am ong students who gr aduated with a bachelor ?s degr ee in academ ic year 20 15?16, 42% wer e fir st-gener ation college gr aduates, and 58% wer e continuing-gener ation college gr aduates. (2) 46% of fir st-gener ation college gr aduates and 65% of continuing-gener ation college gr aduates had par ticipated in an extr acur r icular club when they wer e under gr aduate students. (3)

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Oth er M ontana Communi ty Resources -

Montana Department of Health and Human Services?Child and Family Services Division

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Bureau of Indian Affairs?Division of Human Services

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National Indian Child Welfare Association

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Disability Rights Montana

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TRIO Programs Database

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Reach Higher Montana

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Apply Montana - MUS

Sch ol arsh i ps & Fi nanci al Serv i ces Montana Sources -

Montana Community Foundation MT Office of Public Instruction MUS MT Talent Search MUS Grants and Scholarships

Outside Sources -

FAFSA Prudential Spirit of Community Award The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation The Horatio Alger Association College Board - Big Future Scholarship America Gates Millennium Scholars Program

HAVEYOU FILLEDOUT YOURFAFSA? Fed er al St u d en t Ai d

The goal of the GMS program is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to reach their highest potential.

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Dell Scholars 1st Generation Scholarships. - Scholarship Institute 1st Generation Scholarships - Education Loan Finance 40-1st Generation Scholarships - Great Value Colleges

NeedHel pWritingyour Schol arshipEssay?

H ow t o W r i t e a Sch ol ar sh i p Essay an d W i n BI G [2022 Ed i t i on ]

CREDI TS 1. https://fir stgen.naspa.or g/ 2. RTI Inter national. (2021).

Fir st-gener ation College Gr aduates: Race/Ethnicity, Age, and Use of Car eer Planning Ser vices. Washington, DC: NASPA. Retr ieved fr om Fact Sheet.

3. RTI Inter national. (2021).

Fir st-gener ation College Gr aduates?

Par ticipation in Extr acur r icular and Co-cur r icular Activities as Under gr aduate Students. Washington, DC: NASPA. Retr ieved fr om Fact Sheet.

STUDENT RESOURCES HOMELESS

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Facts & Numbers FactsAbout HomelessStudents Higher Educat ion for Homeless St udent s -

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Attending college may feel completely out of reach to students who are struggling to complete high school without a permanent roof over their heads, but many aren?t aware of the resources and support programs available to help them get into college, find housing, have access to food, and secure transportation.

Programs for College-Bound Homeless Students Programs are available to help high school students prepare for post secondary educations and get ahead once they reach college. While some programs are organized via the federal government, others are managed by individual states or nonprofits. (1)

According to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), there are currently 58,000 students attending college who identify as homeless, a 75% increase over the last three years. (2) :

Subgroups of Homeless Children/Youth Number of homeless children/youth enrolled in public schools who are: Subgroup Type

SY 2017-2018

SY 2018-2019

SY 2019-2020

Migratory children/youth

16

30

45

Unaccompanied homeless youth

683

720

651

Children with disabilities (IDEA)

852

875

942

Limited English Proficient (LEP) students

303

355

366

Note: These subgroups are not mutually exclusive. It is possible for homeless students to be counted in more than one subgroup. (3)

CREDI TS 1. Homeless Students and Education 2. Center for Online Education 3. NCHE

STUDENT RESOURCES

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HOMELESS STUDENTS

WEBSI TES & RESOURCES Housing Assist ance -

HUD Exchange

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Montana Rescue Mission

Meal Assist ance -

SNAP Assistance

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Montana Kitchens

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SwipeHunger

Ot her Resources -

MT OPI - Education for Homeless Children & Youth Program

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Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program

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National Alliance to End Homelessness

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Student Training & Education in Public Service

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College Help for Homeless Students

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Tips for Helping Homeless Youth Succeed in College

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Homeless Youth And College

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I Want To Go To College:Now What? By the US Department of Education

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Access to Higher Education for Students Experiencing Homelessness

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Quest Bridge

QuestBridge is a powerful platform that connects the nation's brightest students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education and further opportunities.

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GetMyFuture

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The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) According to a recent report by Chegg.org and Swipe Out Hunger, nearly one third (29%) of college students have missed a meal at least once a week since the beginning of the pandemic? and community food pantries have helped. During the pandemic, more than half of all students (52%) use off-campus food banks and 30% use them once or more. (1)

CREDI TS 1. https://w w w.sw ipehunger.or g/cufba/

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Oth er M ontana Communi ty Resources -

Montana Department of Health and Human Services?Child and Family Services Division

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Montana Chafee Foster Care Independence Program

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Bureau of Indian Affairs?Division of Human Services

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National Indian Child Welfare Association

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NCHE - Foster Care

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Disability Rights Montana

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TRIO Programs Database

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Reach Higher Montana

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SAMHSA - Montana Homeless Students

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Montana Resource Map

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Health Coverage for Homeless and At-Risk Youth

Sch ol arsh i ps & Fi nanci al Serv i ces Montana Sources -

HAVEYOU FILLEDOUT YOURFAFSA?

Montana Community Foundation Reach Higher Montana ETV Program Hopa Mountain MT Office of Public Instruction MUS MT Talent Search MUS Grants and Scholarships

Fed er al St u d en t Ai d

Outside Sources -

FAFSA Prudential Spirit of Community Award Homeless Student Scholarships Foster Care Grants/Scholarships The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation The Horatio Alger Association College Board - Big Future Scholarship America Money Geek Gates Millennium Scholars Program

NeedHel pWritingyour Schol arshipEssay?

H ow t o W r i t e a Sch ol ar sh i p Essay an d W i n BI G [2022 Ed i t i on ]

The goal of the GMS program is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to reach their highest potential.

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Dell Scholars

STUDENT RESOURCES FOSTER CARE

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Facts & Numbers FactsAbout Foster Care - On any given day, there are nearly 437,000 children in foster care in the United States.

- In 2018, nearly 690,000 children spent time in U.S. foster care.

- On average, children remain in state care for nearly two years and six percent of children in foster care have languished there for five or more years.

- Despite the common perception that the majority of children in foster care are very young, the average age of kids entering care is 8.

- In 2018, one third of children entering U.S. foster care were young people of color.

- While most children in foster care live in family settings, a substantial minority ? 10 percent ? live in institutions or group homes.

- In 2018, more than 71,000 children ? whose mothers?and fathers?parental rights had been legally terminated ? were waiting to be adopted.

- In 2018, more than 17,000 young people aged out of foster care without permanent families. Research has shown that those who leave care without being linked to forever families have a higher likelihood than youth in the general population to experience

CREDIT: https://www.browardschools.com/fostercare

STUDENT RESOURCES

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| FOSTER YOUTH

WEBSI TES & RESOURCES -

Montana Students in Foster Care- Toolkit

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Montana Students in Foster Care - Brochure

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Montana BID Participants

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Montana Child & Family Services Regional Contact Map

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2020-2021 Montana School Foster Care Points of Contact

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Foster Care Workflow Chart

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Foster Care & Education Presentation 101

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U.S. Department of Education - Students in Foster Care

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Foster Care Transition Toolkit ? By U.S. Department of Education

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Foster Care to College

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Montana: Education and Training Voucher Program

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Montana Foster Parents - Keeping Children Safe and Families Strong

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Foster Care Transition Toolkit ? By Foster Club

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Foster Care to Success

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NATIONAL FOSTER YOUTH INSTITUTE

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Permanency Pact Tool- by Foster Club | What?s a Permanency Pact? A pledge by a supportive adult to provide specific supports to a young person in foster care with a goal of establishing a lifelong, kin-like relationship.

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Things People Never Told Me Toolkit ? By Pathways & Portland State University | When you start living on your own from foster care, there are some things in life that people seem to forget to tell you about

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TRIO | TRIO Programs serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to higher education programs. Student Support Services (SSS) is a campus-based TRIO program that may provide specific services, mentoring, and housing for youth in or aging out of the foster care system.

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Oth er M ontana Communi ty Resources -

Montana Linking Systems of Care Montana Department of Health and Human Services?Child and Family Services Division Montana Chafee Foster Care Independence Program Bureau of Indian Affairs?Division of Human Services National Indian Child Welfare Association NCHE - Foster Care Disability Rights Montana Parenting Montana

Sch ol arsh i ps & Fi nanci al Serv i ces Montana Sources -

Montana Community Foundation

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Reach Higher Montana Database

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Reach Higher Montana ETV Program

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Hopa Mountain

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MT Office of Public Instruction

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MUS MT Talent Search

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MUS Grants and Scholarships

Outside Sources -

HAVEYOU FILLEDOUT YOURFAFSA?

Foster Care Alumni of America CollegeScholarships.org Helping Foster Children FAFSA Foster Learn- How to complete the FAFSA Prudential Spirit of Community Award Foster Care to Success Tuition Waivers by State Seita Scholars Program The Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program

NeedHel pWritingyour Schol arshipEssay?

H ow t o W r i t e a Sch ol ar sh i p Essay an d W i n BI G [2022

STUDENT RESOURCES LGBTQ

Facts & Numbers LGBTQ STUDENTSIN HIGHER EDUCATION -

While over 200 LGBTQ centers exist on college campuses across the country, there is limited data about LGBTQ students in higher education. Existing research shows that LGBTQ students face challenges as early as high school that factor into their college enrollment and experiences. In fact, data has shown that nearly 10% of LGBTQ students who experienced frequent verbal harassment didn?t plan to attend college after high school.

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In 2018, the Association of American Universities found that out of a sample of more than 180,000 undergraduate and graduate students, nearly 17% identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, queer, or questioning.

In the same AAU survey, 1.7% of undergraduate and graduate students identified their gender as transgender, non-binary, or questioning.

Thirteen percent of self-identified members of the LGBT community age 25 or older have earned a graduate degree, compared to 14% of non-LGBT members.

Gay men were twice as likely to obtain a bachelor?s degree in comparison to lesbian women in 2015.

Seventy-four percent of LGBTQ+ college students reported struggling with their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to 64% of heterosexual students.

Sixty-nine percent of LGBTQ+ college students reported feelings of loneliness or isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to 59% of heterosexual students.

CREDIT Postsecondary National Policy Institute

WEBSI TES & RESOURCES -

LGBT Centers

CenterLink is an international nonprofit organization and member-based association of LGBTQ centers and other LGBTQ organizations serving their local and regional communities.

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NCTE

The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation?s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice.

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Campus Pride

Campus Pride represents the leading national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBTQ students.

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UPromise Family Acceptance Project GLAAD Trans Youth Equality Foundation College 101: A Guide to Navigating College for trans students Creating More Welcoming Environments For LGBTQ+ Teens And College Students

Sch ol arsh i ps & Fi nanci al Serv i ces Mont ana Sources -

The Montana Community Foundation Watson Children's Shelter Scholarship Youth Serve Montana Scholarship Montana University System Scholarships Montana Gear Up Montana Educational Talent Search (ETS) MT Office of Public Instruction

Out side Sources -

College Scorecard Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA Application Guide SchoolHouse Connection Scholarship Horatio Alger Scholarships LeTendre Education Fund Scholarship Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship Programs Quest Bridge Pride Foundation Point Foundation Campus Pride

STUDENT RESOURCES MENTAL HEALTH

Resources f or Students College Forward is a nationally-recognized, near-peer coaching organization that pairs recent college graduates with students to empower them to achieve their post-secondary goals. Our students are 2.5 times more likely to graduate than their unsupported peers. Since 2003, College Forward has grown from a local college access program to become a national leader in the higher education nonprofit industry

The Trevor Project is an LGBTQ specific mental health organization for students.

According to the Center for Online Education, up to 75 percent of college students with possible mental health issues do not seek help for what ails them. This resource is meant to provide college students and young people with quality information on maintaining good mental health and identifying mental health issues.

Creating hope out of tragedy Active Minds was founded by Alison Malmon when she was a junior at the University of Pennsylvania following the suicide of her older brother, and only sibling, Brian.

Active Minds is the nation?s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for young adults.

The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation?s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today? and tomorrow.

Helpf u l Ar t icles List of Free or Low-Cost Mental Health Resources for Students Supporting Mental Health in College Students On & Off Campus