Montana State Fund recently invested in the education of 11 Montana college students majoring in Occupational Safety and Health/Industrial Hygiene and the Construction Trade and Industry fields through our Growing a Safer Montana higher education scholarships.

“As the state’s largest workers’ compensation insurer, we are doing our best to prepare the next generation workforce of Montana for a long and safe working career, “said MSF President and CEO, Laurence Hubbard.  “These scholarships not only assist with a student’s tuition,they also lay the ground working for understanding and practicing a culture of safety at their future workplace.”

At the awards presentation, Hubbard surprised the recipients with a $3,000 scholarship instead of the $1,500 amount they were expecting.

Sarah Storey is one of this year’s recipients. She is pursuing a Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene at Montana Tech. “As a mother of three and college student, I work my hardest in all of my endeavors. This scholarship is very important for me to continue to accomplish the goals I put forth for myself and my family.”

MSF began offering these competitive academic scholarships in 2018. Last year, 10 students received a $1,500 scholarship. This year, MSF awarded 11, $3,000 scholarships, for a grand total of $48,000 in total scholarship money. To apply, recipients must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a desire to champion safety as they move into their professional endeavors.

2019 Scholarship Recipients include:

 Montana Tech – Occupational Safety and Health Students
Ciara Kremer
Jacques Boulet
Tyler Davis
Sarah Storey
Griff Warner

Highlands College – Montana Tech
Jakob Bloom – Welding
Maria Ralph – Carpentry
David Stahl – Construction Technology

Helena College – University of Montana
Elon Moffett – Industrial Welding and Fabrication

Gallatin College -Montana State University
Natalia Fernandes – Welding

Missoula College
Charles Bruce – Welding

Another Growing a Safer Montana program is the high school safety equipment grant. High school educators teaching construction trade and industry courses can apply for grants up to $750 that help purchase needed safety materials, equipment, or protective gear for their students. Over the past two years, 2,600 students have received safety equipment. In addition, MSF supplies safety materials and resources that the teachers can use to reinforce safety awareness in their classrooms.