FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPT 16, 2025
GREAT FALLS, MONTANA – The University of Providence is proud to announce the launch of the Community Impact Scholars program, a new initiative designed to provide full-time commuter students from select Montana counties with an affordable, mission-driven pathway to higher education—while strengthening their ability to serve and uplift their communities.
Through this program, eligible students receive a special annual tuition rate of $10,000, a nearly 70% discount compared to traditional tuition. Participants also pay an annual student service fee of $1,200 and have the option to add a discounted meal plan, ensuring affordability while promoting daily campus engagement. Built as a cohort experience, the program integrates academics, community service, and personal formation into one cohesive model.
“At Providence, we believe our students are called for more—to learn deeply, serve generously, and lead with integrity,” said Caroline Goulet, Interim President and Provost. “The Community Impact Scholars program makes that calling tangible by honoring local students who choose to invest in their education and in their community at the same time.”
Eligible counties include Cascade, Chouteau, Fergus, Judith Basin, Liberty, Pondera, Teton, and Toole. To qualify, students must be full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates who live off-campus, do not receive other institutional scholarships or reside in university housing, are not varsity athletes, maintain good academic standing, and demonstrate a clear commitment to their local community.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission of forming students for lives of leadership and service,” Dr. Goulet added. “By combining affordability with meaningful engagement, we are preparing graduates who not only succeed professionally but also leave a lasting impact on the communities they call home.”
Beyond benefits to students, the program is designed to enrich the wider Great Falls region. Each scholar will complete a Community Enrichment Capstone Project, applying classroom learning to address local needs such as healthcare access, educational opportunity, and social equity. In this way, students live out the UP mission by leveraging their education for the betterment of citizens across the region—proving that they are truly called for more.
“The students who take part in this program will gain more than financial support—they’ll gain a sense of belonging, purpose, and responsibility,” note Katelyn Marsik, Director of Admissions and Recruitment. “Community Impact Scholars reflects why UP is different: here, students are part of something bigger than themselves.”
Launching fully in Spring 2026, the program also provides commuters with access to a dedicated lounge, meal plan options, and all campus services available to enrolled students. Applications are now open for students from the designated counties.
Those who are interested in learning more about the Community Impact Scholars program can visit the https://www.uprovidence.edu/financial-services/community-impact-scholars/ or reach out to admissions@uprovidence.edu with specific questions.
The University of Providence (UP) is a private, Roman Catholic Liberal Arts University founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Providence. The University of Providence honors the Sisters’ vision today by providing a mission-driven education to those that need it the most. UP is located in Great Falls, Montana and offers both undergraduate and graduate level liberal arts programs and health programs. For more information visit www.uprovidence.edu.
