Laurel Montana Community Foundation Scholarship

The Laurel Montana Community Foundation awards scholarships to support deserving students from the greater Laurel area in their pursuit of higher education and vocational training.

Background: Since 2015, the foundation has awarded over $12,500 in scholarships to Laurel residents. In 2018, over $9,000 was committed with additional commitments in 2019.

Geographic Scope: Greater Laurel area (using 59044 zip code as mailing address)

Award Amounts:

• George and Virginia Ulschak Memorial Scholarship: $2,000
• Larry and Nancy Lorfing Memorial Scholarship: $2,000
• Olson Family Scholarship: $1,000
• Laurel Rotary Club Scholarship: $1,500
• Laurel Education Foundation Scholarship: $1,000
• Laurel Chamber of Commerce Scholarship: $500
• Dean and Mary Rankin Scholarship: $500

Eligibility Requirements:

• Residency: Must be a resident of the greater Laurel area (59044 zip code as mailing address)
• Education Status: Currently attending or enrolling in the fall in a post-secondary education facility or vocational technology facility
• Special Requirement: For the $500 Laurel Chamber of Commerce scholarship, applicants must be a graduate of Laurel High School (graduating seniors in 2026)

Funding Sources: Don and Scott Lorfing, Laurel Rotary Club, Ken and Peggy Olson, Dean and Mary Rankin, Laurel Chamber of Commerce

Application Process

Deadline: January 31 (next deadline: January 31, 2027)

Submission Methods:

1. Online Application: Complete the application form on the website
2. Mail-in Application: Print and mail the completed form to PO Box 1138, Laurel, MT 59044
3. Essay Submission: Email answers to application questions to info@laurelcommunity.org

Application Components:

Personal Information

• Full name (First, Middle, Last)
• Preferred name
• Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
• Email
• Primary phone
• Alternate phone
• Preferred contact method (Phone, Email, Postal Mail)
• Current address (street, city, state, ZIP)

Education Plans

• Final college choice (name of college)
• College location (city and state)
• College application status

Grade Level (Fall 2025)

• Undergraduate Freshman
• Undergraduate Sophomore
• Graduate Student
• High School Senior

High School Information

• High school graduation status (Yes/No)
• High school name
• High school location
• Graduation date (MM/DD/YYYY)

Essay Questions (600 characters or less per answer)

1. Why do you want to go to College or Trade School?
2. What are your goals in life?
3. Describe a time or experience in your life that shaped you as a person
4. How do you define Success?
5. What traits do you possess that will enhance your ability to be successful?
6. How would your friends/teachers describe you?
7. Explain a family, social or school situation, in which your leadership made a difference and what was accomplished

Selection Process:

1. Committee reviews all applications
2. Finalists are invited for an interview with the committee
3. Final decision made by the Laurel Montana Community Foundation Scholarship Committee
4. Recipients notified by committee (specific date to be inserted)

Note: Finalists will be invited for an interview with the committee for final consideration.