HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced record donations to the Big Sky Scholarship Program and Innovative Education Program, expanding access to education opportunities for children in low to middle-income families. Montanans have donated over $9 million to support the programs since Wednesday.
“Each child is unique and deserves the best education possible to meet his or her individual needs,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Recognizing high demand for the Big Sky Scholarship Program and Innovative Education Program by families and schools across our state, we strengthened these programs last year to serve more Montana students.”
Sponsored by Maj. Leader Sue Vinton and signed into law by the governor last spring, House Bill 408 increased the donation cap on both the Big Sky Scholarship Program and the Innovative Education Program from $2 million to $5 million.
The Big Sky Scholarship Program provides lower- and middle-income Montana families with scholarships to access education opportunities that best meet the needs of their children.
The Innovative Education Program expands work-based and individualized learning opportunities in public schools.
Donations to the programs have surpassed $4.3 million and $4.7 million, respectively.
“These programs provide Montana students with the opportunity to receive the best education possible,” Maj. Leader Sue Vinton said. “By boosting the donation cap on these programs from $2 million to $5 million, we are better meeting demand for these programs to serve more Montana families.”
Last year, the governor advanced pro-student, pro-parent, pro-teacher reforms to increase educational opportunities for Montana students, empower parents, strengthen Montana’s educator workforce, and help teachers keep more of what they earn.
Press release provided by the Governor’s office
