Three Northwest Montana communities have received Graduation Matters grants to support college-readiness programs.

Columbia Falls received $3,250, Libby $3,000 and Eureka $2,500.

They are among 12 Montana communities sharing a total of $50,000 from the Graduation Matters Montana Student Assistance Foundation College Readiness Fund.

Graduation Matters Montana is a state initiative to increase the number of high school graduates who are college- and career-ready.

Schools are trying to increase the number of students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid  by participating in programs such as College Goal Montana. The application determines a students’ eligibility for federal, state or private aid toward post-secondary education.

The majority of grantee schools will also participate in College Application Week this month in an effort to increase the number of Montana students who apply for college.

In addition to increasing the numbers of Free Application for Federal Student Aid applicants, Graduation Matters Columbia Falls hopes to increase the percentage of students who enroll in college.

Graduation Matters Libby will use the money to support special programs such as “College for a Day” and “Read with a Logger.”

Other communities receiving grants were Anaconda, Bozeman, Browning, Great Falls, Hardin, Hot Springs, Livingston, Missoula and Thompson Falls.