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 MISSOULA – In an effort to increase the number of STEM degree recipients participating in Montana’s workforce, the state of Montana now offers $1,000 scholarships to Montana high school students majoring in science, technology, engineering, math or health care.

The STEM Scholarship Program provides an incentive for Montana high school students to prepare for, enter into and complete degrees in postsecondary fields related to STEM and health care. The Montana Legislature set aside $400,000 for the scholarship program this year.
“The University of Montana is a science powerhouse,” said UM Provost Perry Brown. “From our physics program, whose graduates go onto the top graduate schools in the country, to having the most productive ecology faculty in North America, UM offers unparalleled opportunities for Montana high school graduates to go on to world-class science programs.”
            As a leader in the sciences, UM has built new scientific initiatives around brain research, genomics and big-data analysis. At every level, UM students have opportunities to gain hands-on experiences and work side-by-side with faculty engaged in scientific research in both the physical and natural sciences.
            “There are as many resources and possibilities at UM as at a much bigger university,” said UM student Carly Meek. “But because it’s smaller here, you get more interaction. You get more exposure.”
The following UM mountain campus programs qualify for the scholarship:
·         Athletic Training
·         Biochemistry
·         Biology
·         Chemistry
·         Communicative Sciences and Disorders
·         Computer Science
·         Ecological Restoration
·         Environmental Studies
·         Forestry
·         Geology
·         Geographic Information Systems
·         Geosciences
·         Interdisciplinary Geosciences
·         Mathematical Sciences
·         Mathematics
·         Medical Technology
·         Microbiology
·         Pharmacy
·         Physics
·         Pre-Engineering
·         Premedical sciences
·         Prenursing
·         Prepharmacy
·         Pre-Professional Physical Therapy
·         Resource Conservation
·         Wildlife Biology
 
The following Missoula College UM programs qualify for the scholarship:
 
·         Computer-Aided Design
·         Computer-Support Specialist
·         Computer-System Technician
·         Computer Technology
·         Electronics Technology
·         Energy Technology
·         Information Technology
·         Medical Assisting
·         Medical-Information Technology
·         Medical Reception
·         Pharmacy Technology
·         Practical Nursing
·         Pre-Electronics
·         Technology
·         Pre-Information Technology
·         Pre-Nursing
·         Pre-Pharmacy
·         Technology
·         Pre-Radiologic Technology
·         Pre-Respiratory Therapy Tech
·         Pre-Surgical Technology
·         Radiologic Technology
·         Registered Nursing
·         Respiratory Care
·         Surgical Technology
“By 2018, 92 percent of traditional STEM jobs will require at least some post-secondary education and training,” Brown said. “We are thrilled to be able to offer Montana high school students a wide array of programs that prepare them for a career in a STEM field. This scholarship program is an added incentive.”
For more information, including details on the online application process and eligibility requirements, visit http://www.mus.edu/Prepare/Pay/Scholarships/STEM_Scholarship.asp. The deadline to apply is July 15.

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