We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
The Presbyterian Church of Chinook began awarding post-secondary scholarships to Chinook High (CHS) graduates in the spring of 2015. To date forty scholarships have been awarded. Last year the church offered a $500 scholarship to graduating CHS senior but also added a new $500 scholarship to a non-traditional student. A study following the CHS students who won the forty scholarships found that only about a third still remained in this part of north central Montana. The goal of awarding the new non-traditional scholarship to an older student will help them decide to stay and use their new skills to help our local area.
What defines a non-traditional college or vocational school student?
Most research concludes that at least forty percent of current post-secondary students (in colleges or trade schools) are non-traditional students. While what describes a non-traditional student may vary, most definitions include the following attributes.
First, these students did not start a post-secondary program of study right after graduating from high school or completing a GED. The most common reason to postpone starting a post-secondary course of study is a lack of financial resources. Also, family demands (being a young parent, taking care of a parent), or need to work a full-time job limits them to being part-time students. For whatever reason, being limited to part time student status is a common characteristic of non-traditional students.
Another commonality is age. Because these students did not start a post-secondary program right after high school many will be in their twenties, even more will be older. But it is not uncommon for a parent to start college or a trade program after their children are grown and leave home. And interestingly, colleges, universities and trade schools are marketing to these types of non-traditional students by offering schedules that fit the non-traditional students’ needs, like night or weekend classes and online courses where a student can study remotely and receive financial aid.
A good example of colleges marketing to non-traditional students is the TV campaign launched a few years ago by Southern New Hampshire University. Established veterans’ educational benefits and tuition reimbursement plans by businesses for their employees have also boosted the number of non-traditional students attending and completing college and vocational school programs.
About the Presbyterian Church of Chinook’s scholarship for a non-traditional student
Any non-traditional student can apply for the one time per year $500 grant. To apply a student must show how the scholarship will help them meet their own educational goals and how this will help them remain in and benefit their community on the Hi-Line. Applicants will need to show some evidence that they have the capacity to complete a program (existing grade point average), that they have (or have had) a steady job and/or can demonstrate participation in prior school or community projects or organizations. The scholarship is for $500, payable to the awardee at the end of a school term with proof of successful completion of a course(s).
For more information and copy of the application process, call 357-8056. Deadline for receiving applications for this non-traditional scholarship is March 20, 2026.
