Gianforte Trade and Technology Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Montana University System
Overview
This scholarship provides $1,500 per semester for students enrolled full‑time and $750 per semester for those enrolled part‑time. It is intended for students in technical and trade programs — examples include automotive technology, plumbing, electronics, construction, diesel technology, cybersecurity, and many other computer and technical career pathways.
Key details
- Eligible students must be enrolled in the term for which they apply.
- Applicants can use the award alongside other scholarships, but total funding from this award is capped at the equivalent of four full‑time semesters or eight part‑time semesters over a student’s enrollment.
- Additional background and guidance are available in the Gianforte Trade and Technology Scholarship Fact Sheet.
General eligibility
To qualify for the award (full‑time = $1,500/semester; part‑time = $750/semester), applicants must meet all of the following:
1. Be a Montana resident as defined by Board of Regents Policy 940.1.
2. File a FAFSA (note: dual credit students are exempt from the FAFSA requirement).
3. Demonstrate Unmet Need, calculated as: Cost of Attendance − Student Aid Index (SAI) − other aid (loans excluded) = Unmet Need.
4. Be in good standing at an eligible campus by maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
5. Be enrolled in at least 6 credits in an approved technical or trade program.
Application steps
A complete application requires all of the following to be finished by the posted deadline:
1. Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria listed above.
2. Submit a completed application through the Award Montana Portal.
3. Be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits at one of the qualifying campuses or in an approved program for the term applied for.
If you need more information about eligible programs, how Unmet Need is determined, or other program details, consult the Gianforte Trade and Technology Scholarship Fact Sheet or contact the financial aid office at your campus.