Montana Universities Secured NSF Grant for STEM Students
The National Science Foundation awarded funds to help low-income students pursue science and engineering degrees.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Scholarships
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The University of Montana and Montana State University have received a grant from the National Science Foundation. This funding is designed to support low-income students through scholarships and internship opportunities.
Why it matters
The program addresses financial barriers for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math degrees in Montana. By combining direct aid with internships, the initiative aims to boost educational access for underserved students.
The grant provides awards of up to $15,000 for undergraduate seniors and up to $20,000 for graduate students. These funds support low-income STEM students attending either the University of Montana or Montana State University.
The players
National Science Foundation
An independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering.
University of Montana
A public research university located in Missoula that serves as a primary center for higher education in the state.
Montana State University
A public land-grant research university based in Bozeman known for its programs in science, technology, and engineering.
The details
The University of Montana and Montana State University formed a partnership to manage the distribution of the grant. The program offers eligible students both financial scholarships and professional internship opportunities.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: The grant funding and program details were announced.
Roadmap
This grant follows the long-standing goals of the National Science Foundation's S-STEM program, which focuses on increasing retention for low-income students. It reflects a broader trend of institutions prioritizing workforce readiness through specialized financial aid and industry partnerships.
Eligible low-income students at these universities should inquire with their respective financial aid offices to determine application requirements. Successful applicants can expect reduced tuition burdens and increased access to professional internship placements.
The takeaway
Students interested in these opportunities should prioritize maintaining their academic standing to ensure eligibility for these high-value awards. Early communication with department advisors can help students align their coursework with the program's internship requirements.
Further reading
For more information on educational funding opportunities, browse our Scholarships section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Montana.
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