educational heritage scholarship header

College Students Apply Today!

Applications are closed for 2024. 2025 applications will open in December.

MSF is offering one $5,000 scholarship and two $2,500 scholarships to college students who are seeking a career beneficial to ranching. Scholarships are available to a student currently enrolled in a college or university, and have completed at least one semester of coursework.

  • Applicant must be currently enrolled in college and have completed at least one semester in college
  • Applicants enrolled in Vocational and out of state schools will be accepted.
  • Applicant must be a member, or have at least one parent/guardian who is a member, of the Montana Stockgrowers Association
  • Applicant must demonstrate a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0

If you are interested in the scholarship but are not currently a MSGA member, join today! Student memberships start at just $20/year. www.mtbeef.org/membership/

  • A 500-word essay discussing educational pursuits, potential impact of chosen field and why the applicant feels they are deserving of the scholarship funds

  • Copy of transcript (non-official transcripts are accepted)

  • Two letters of recommendation:

    • A letter addressing your academic accomplishments
    • A letter addressing your activities in the cattle industry
  • All scholarship recipients will be required to attend an MSGA event. MSF will pay for all expenses to the event the recipient will attend.
  • A letter from the College stating the student is currently enrolled will be required.
  • Recipients will be required to submit a follow-up letter or an in person visit or Zoom meeting with the MSF Trustees one year after receiving scholarship funds.
  • Finalists will be required to attend an in-person interview with the selection committee. The interview will take place in Bozeman on April 27, 2024.

There are two ways in which to complete the application, online or by mail.

  • ONLINE:

    • Complete online application below.
    • Applications are able to upload letter of recommendation, transcripts, and essay within the application.
    • Online applications must be submitted by January 31, 2024.
  • BY MAIL:

    • Fill out printable application
    • Please include essay, transcripts and letters of recommendation in the application.
    • Letters of recommendation may be included in your submission or mailed separately.
      All materials must be postmarked by January 31, 2024.
  • MAILING ADDRESS:
    Montana Stockgrowers Association
    c/o Foundation Scholarship
    420 N. California St., Helena, MT 59601

  • EMAIL: foundation@mtbeef.org

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS OR APPLICATIONS POSTMARKED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

If you have any questions about the scholarship application, please call the MSGA Office at (406) 442-3420 or email foundation@mtbeef.org.

PAST RECIPIENTS:

2024:
Laynie Sattoriva $5,000
Ella Waterhouse $2,500
Colter Petre $2,500

2023:
Savannah Schneider $5,000
McLain Payne $2,500
Nik Pierson $2,500

2022:
Sage Zook $5,000
Macie Martinell $2,500
Sage Jackson $2,500

2021:
Nolan Nansel $1000
Owen Gustafson $500
Bethany Lyford $500

2020: Maggie Whitehurst

2019: Greta Gustafson & Carissa Workman

2018: Evan Haughian, Trey Bloesser & Rebecca Gibbs

2017: Taylre Sitz

2016: Amanda Williams

2015: Allie Nelson & Camron Ratzburg

Laynie Sattoriva was awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Laynie grew up on her family’s farm and ranch in Hingham, MT. She is a sophomore at the University of Montana Western majoring in Biology with a minor in Pre-Veterinary Science. Once graduated, she’s determined to get a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.

Ella Waterhouse was awarded a $2,500 scholarship. Ella is originally from Korbel, CA where she grew up raising and showing a wide variety of livestock. She is graduating from Montana State University in December 2024, with a major in Agricultural Communications and minors in Agricultural Business and Economics. Upon graduation, Ella plans to help bridge the gap between consumers and producers through work on public policy and help promote agricultural operations through funding for rural communities.

Colter Petre was awarded a $2,500 scholarship. Colter is from Helena, MT and will be a sophomore at Montana State University in the Fall of 2024, majoring in Animal Science. Colter grew up on his family’s ranch in the Helena Valley, his passion is agriculture and in particular cattle genetics. He is building his own commercial Black Angus cattle herd and is instrumental in the selection and continuation of the AI program for heifer development at the ranch. Colter will pursue a career in cattle genetics or veterinary medicine upon graduation.