The Libby School District recently won a $3,000 grant from the Graduation Matters Montana Student Assistance Foundation College Readiness Fund.

State Superintendent Denise Juneau and Kelly Cresswell, vice president of Foundation Activities at Student Assistance Foundation, announced the 12 Graduation Matters communities who will be receiving $50,000 in grants. Grant awards ranged from $2,000 to $5,000.

Grant funding will increase the percentage of students completing a college application and support special programs such as “Read with a Logger.”

Libby Superintendent K.W. Maki called the grant a real benefit for local schools.

“This is a component of our GEAR UP program,” Maki said. “We have been doing Graduation Matters for years and this will help increase the number of students who are ready for graduation into college and careers.”

Schools are setting their sights on increasing the number of students in their schools who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by participating in programs such as College Goal Montana. If schools are successful in meeting their goals, it is estimated Montana students and their families will receive $3.9 million in grant awards for their college education. The majority of grantee schools will also participate in College Application Week this November, an effort to increase the number of Montana students who apply for college.

“In addition to funding the important work that will be done through these grants, Student Assistance Foundation outreach staff will be participating in many of the activities that will be carried out by our grantees,” Cresswell said. “Understandably, students are concerned about the cost of higher education. All of us working together will ensure that more students have access to college ?— socially and financially.”

Juneau lauded Libby.

“It is exciting to see Graduation Matters communities like Libby setting high goals to reach out to and engage students and families as they prepare for life after high school.”