Montana Students on the Land Travel Grants

Grant applications are reviewed monthly and will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis while funds remain available. All field trips must be completed and grant checks cashed by June 1, 2025. Applicants must specify the public or tribal land site they plan to visit, ensuring it aligns with the goals of the Montana Students on the Land Grant Program. Educators who receive a grant must agree to submit a post-visit report, which includes at least one photo from the field trip.

Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the following criteria:

-Represent underrepresented geographic areas within Montana.
-Clearly describe how their project will include all three components: a pre-visit lesson, the field day experience, and post-visit activities. (For example, incorporating interpretive or educational programs at the public land site.)
-Are from a Title I school during the 2024–25 school year (for school-based applicants).
-Serve a group or classroom with a majority of fourth-grade students.

Preference will be given to applicants that:

• Favor fourth grade students. This program seeks to aid national parks and partners in connecting fourth graders of Title I schools to public and tribal lands.
• Plan to include interpretative and/or educational programs at field trip site.
• Describe in their applications how they will implement a “three aspect” project that includes a pre-visit lesson, the field day, and post visit elements.
• Originate from geographic areas across the state that are underrepresented.
• Hold Title 1 school classification (if the applicant is school-based)
• May be interested in visiting more than one public land or tribal land site or area during their trip if convenient.

Please also note that while past awardees may be accepted, new applicants will be given preference.

TIMELINE
Grant proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified of the status of their proposals soon after their proposals are submitted.

How many grants will be awarded? We will award approximately 40 grants in the amount of $300 each to schools and classrooms across the state. 

Who is eligible to apply for a grant? Applications are open to educators, youth group leaders, and others for bringing Montana students to public lands. Applicants may travel to the public land or tribal land of their choice. 

When do field trips need to take place? Field trips can take place between now and the end of the school year. 

When do funds need to be spent by? Funds need to be spent by the end of the current school year. 

When will I be notified of the status of my application? Grant proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis, usually the third  week of each month. Applicants will be notified of the status of their proposals within a month after their proposals are submitted. For example, if you submit an application on September 6 then your application would be reviewed during the week of September 15-19 and an email from Glacier National Park notifying you of the status of your application would be sent that same week. 

When can I expect the funds? After grant applications are reviewed, MEEA’s treasurer will begin to process payments. Please remember, we serve as volunteers and will process payments as soon as possible. If you have questions about the status of your payment, please reach out to Matt Daniel, Glacier National Park’s Education Specialist, at glac_education@nps.gov.

Who do I reach out to with questions? Please contact Matt Daniel, Glacier National Park’s Education Specialist, at glac_education@nps.gov with any and all questions regarding this grant opportunity.