Tester Secures Over $5 Million for First-Generation Montana College Students

(Big Sandy, Mont.)-Senator Jon Tester today secured over $5 million to help disadvantaged Montana students get college degrees.

As the co-chair of the Congressional TRiO Caucus, Tester pushed the U.S. Department of Education to fund Montana’s TRiO Talent Search programs, which help low-income students, first-generation students, and students with disabilities achieve their educational potential.

“Every student deserves a shot at success,” said Tester, a former teacher. “These resources will go straight to the folks who need it most, and help a new generation of Montana students be the first in their family to graduate from college.”

These TRiO Talent Search Program grants are made available through the U.S. Department of Education to help students graduate from high school, enroll and complete their postsecondary education, and attain a quality job.

The following Montana institutions were awarded the five year TRiO Talent Search Program Grant:

Montana State University (MSU)-Billings, $1.4 million
MSU-Billings will provide 600 Billings students from 14 schools with tutoring, college preparation, financial literacy, and financial aid.

Montana Tech, $1.2 million
Montana Tech will provide over 500 students from 11 schools in Butte, Helena, Anaconda, and Deer Lodge with tutoring, college preparation, financial literacy, and financial aid.

Montana University System, $3 million
The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education will provide over 1,200 Native American students across Montana with tutoring, mentoring, advising, career exploration, financial literacy, and assistance with college admission.

TRiO offers a range of services aimed at increasing high school and college graduation rates for students across Montana.