Northern gets grant for underprivileged students

Montana State University-Northern has received a $255,079 award from the U.S Department of Education. The grant was part of a larger $270 million award to 968 colleges designed to help first-generation and underprivileged students finish college

“Every student has the right to an equal opportunity to learn and succeed in college,” said U.S Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan in announcing the grants Friday. “These grants provide critical support to students who can benefit from extra help and encouragement along their college journey, enabling them to reach their personal goals and contribute to the economic vitality of the nation.”

The SSS grants help bolster funding for a host of programs including academic tutoring, housing support for homeless students, counseling in professional development, help with tuition and applying for scholarships.

Northern was one of 14 institutions of higher learning in Montana that received grants.

Northern officials were not available to comment on what specific programs the money would be used for..