A local college student has been recognized for her dedication to serving her community and for her outstanding achievements by being awarded an Achieving the Dream (ATD) scholarship. Rachel Matt, a student at Salish Kootenai College, was one of two that was awarded the third annual Harvey Lincoln scholarship and will receive $1,000 to be used toward expenses to attend college, including tuition, fees, books, supplies or living expenses.

Rachel is a cellular biology major in Salish Kootenai College’s Life Science program, and is a proud member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes.

After working and raising her children for nearly 20 years, Rachel felt she was called to serve her community’s rampant health disparities, and she enrolled at SKC. This summer, she will participate in a 10-week external research internship at the University of Montana, with a goal of attending graduate school. Eventually, Rachel plans to pursue a Ph.D. in the biomedical field and hopes to serve as a role model for her family and other indigenous women.

The Harvey Lincoln Scholarship honors the late husband of ATD Senior Vice President, Carol Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln was a strong advocate for low-income students and students of color. Created by Achieving the Dream in 2017, the scholarship provides financial support for students at ATD Network institutions who have persisted in their studies despite educational, personal, or financial obstacles. Students must be nominated by staff, faculty, or administrators from their college.