HELENA — The Helena College Foundation will be matching up to $13,000 in funds raised for scholarships during GivingTuesday on Dec. 1. With matching funds, the college has the potential of lessening the financial burden of more than 50 students with access scholarships.
“We are thrilled to offer this special match on GivingTuesday,” said Dr. Gary Rapaport, the Helena College Foundation Board President. “This campaign will help us get one step closer to providing important scholarships for Helena College students.”
In April 2019, the 66th Montana Legislature approved $2 million for state need-based student aid. The funding is dependent on one-to-one private donations, bringing the total amount to $4 million in financial aid for students across the Montana University System.
“We are so grateful to the Helena college foundation for their generous support,” said Helena College Dean and CEO Dr. Sandra Bauman. “What that’s going to mean is that every dollar that’s raised on that day will actually turn into four dollars in the hands of students.”
Helena College University of Montana access scholarships provide up to $1,000 for full-time students. The scholarships are distributed based on need and can make a big difference in a student’s life.
“There are many students that without financial aid it wouldn’t be possible for them to attend school,” said Bauman. “In addition to the cost that are paid to the school, such as tuition and fees, they also have living expenses that must continue to be covered while they’re students so this scholarship can also go towards covering those expenses while they’re students.”
Around 75 percent of the students at Helena College receive some form of financial aid.
Helena College students are eligible to receive $120,000 in scholarships though this program, provided that the Helena College Foundation raises $60,000 in philanthropic gifts directed to this initiative by January 2021.
Bauman says financial aid like this has the chance to truly change the lives of individuals and their families.
“I do think higher education changes lives and changes whole families trajectory,” said Baurman. “We know the power of education gives people opportunities and choice in their employment and the opportunity to move up in their employment/ Which leads to higher wages and better opportunities to support families.”
Graduates from Helena College’s two-year nursing program earn a median income of around $51,000. Network Administration graduates earn an average of around $47,000.
Donations to the Montana Access Scholarships on GivingTuesday can be made online at HelenaCollegeFoundation.org.
More information about education opportunities, financial aid and how to sign up for the spring semester can be found on the Helena College website.
