What is the purpose of the scholarships?
The Montana Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABCD) is a member of the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) and received an alcohol education grant from this organization. NABCA’s mission is to support member jurisdictions in their efforts to protect public health and safety and ensure responsible and efficient systems for beverage alcohol distribution and sales.
The above Alcohol Responsibility Matters logo was one of last year’s billboard designs.
Billboards in high-traffic areas across Montana will be used to promote the importance of responsible alcohol consumption. The billboards will have a consistent theme centered on Montana and the tagline “Alcohol Responsibility Matters” and the existing logo along with the student’s original designs. ABCD’s hope is to provide community-centered messages that remind individuals 21 and over of the importance of being responsible when consuming alcohol. This will support the overall theme of Alcohol Responsibility Matters for Alcohol Awareness Month in April.
ABCD chose high school seniors knowing most are under the age of 21. However, moving forward whether they are going to college or post-secondary institutions, there may be the pressure to drink, and they may be on their own for the first time without their parent’s/guardian’s guidance.
ABCD will award five, one-time, $2,000 scholarships to students who write a brief essay and come up with a design dedicated to the question: What does “Alcohol Responsibility Matters” mean to you and your community? To qualify, students are required to be in good academic standing with their current institute of learning. The funds will then be deposited with their school/apprentice program/certificate institute of higher learning.
How does one apply for the scholarship?
Click here for scholarship application. This application must be downloaded to be completed and submitted. Please submit complete applications and attached artwork/essays to DORABCD-O&E@mt.gov.
How many scholarships are available?
Five, one-time, $2,000 scholarships will be available.
What are the restrictions on the scholarships?
Must attend a Montana post-secondary school/apprentice program/certificate institute of higher learning after high school graduation (includes students homeschooled).
What if I am not “artsy”?
This is an opportunity for all Montana high school seniors who are willing to take the time to write a brief essay about what the message means to them, including some original design ideas for a billboard.
Students may draw something, create something in PowerPoint, etc., and then (if chosen), ABCD will take the design/idea and work with the billboard designers to create artwork based on the message idea essay. The billboard designers will help provide the correct resolution for the different sizes of billboards. Generative AI, such as ChatGPT or other similar applications for essays or artwork will not be accepted.
Application Submission Process:
- The application form is available to complete and submit online or if unable, it can be submitted by mail. If you are unable to access the online application form, contact Lisa Clayborn at 406-444-6457, Kent Haab at 406-444-4307, or Dacia English at 406-444-0728 to request a PDF version to be sent to you via mail.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Applicants must be senior status in high school/home school in Montana for the 2023-2024 academic year to be considered. Students from other states or international students do not qualify.
- You must have your application validated by entering the name and email address of your validating official. This can be your high school counselor, a staff member of a community-based organization, or, for homeschoolers, your county superintendent.
The application must be received on or before midnight January 21, 2024.
Application Selection Process:
- Submissions will be reviewed by the Outreach & Education Unit for the following criteria:
a. Submitted on time
b. Application is complete (including all information requested along with appropriate signatures)
c. Applicants are qualified to apply
d. Applicant shows/presents a theme centered on Montana and the tagline “Alcohol Responsibility Matters” along with the student’s original design showing what that statement means to them and/or their community
2. All qualified applicants’ designs and/or essays will be forwarded to an independent Scholarship Selection Committee
3. The Scholarship Selection Committee will make the final choice of 5 applicants. Design includes:
a. Montana based
b. Tag Line Alcohol Responsibility Matters
c. Appropriate appealing design/essay
FAQs:
When can I start to apply?
The applications will open on October 23, 2023, and close on January 21, 2024, by midnight.
What if I choose not to attend post-secondary school/apprentice program/certificate institute of higher learning in the fall, can I delay the receipt of this scholarship?
No. This is a one-time scholarship intended for the academic year it is awarded. You must be enrolled in the fall of 2024.
How is the scholarship applied?
The scholarship is applied directly to the student’s institution. Check with your financial aid office for more information or assistance.
How do I know the scholarship has been applied to my tuition?
You will be notified when the scholarship payments are issued to your institution. Recipients should follow up with the financial aid office to confirm funds have been applied. Notify the financial aid office that you will be receiving a scholarship upon enrollment. Note: your account may have a balance until the start of the academic year until the scholarship is received.
What if I transfer schools after receiving the scholarship?
If you transfer schools within Montana after the academic year begins, notify your financial aid offices at both schools to inform them of your transfer and confirm funds are transferred properly. If you transfer to a school outside of Montana, the scholarship does not transfer with you. You should notify the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of any transfer by emailing DORABCD-O&E@mt.govor by contacting Lisa Clayborn at 406-444-6457, Kent Haab at 406-444-4307, or Dacia English at 406-444-0728.
Who do I contact with questions about Alcohol Responsibility Matters Scholarships?
Contact the Outreach and Education Unit via email at DORABCD-O&E@mt.govor by contacting Lisa Clayborn at 406-444-6457, Kent Haab at 406-444-4307, or Dacia English at 406-444-0728.