In 2012 the Gianforte Family Foundation helped to bring the ACE Scholarship program to Montana. Now, ACE Spokesman Greg Gianforte says new funding will provide private school scholarships for up to 700 students, with a special emphasis on Native American students.

"We've been able to carve out $100,000 this year to specifically help the Native American students, and that's going to go to the De La Salle Blackfeet School, the St. Labre Indian School, St. Paul Mission School and St. Labre," Gianforte said.

The number of recipients is growing, but so is the waiting list.

"We have 350 kids on the waiting list and we would like to do more," Gianforte said. "The long term goal is for every single family in the state of Montana to be able to pick the best education for their child. ACE is one step toward making that a reality. Choice is the best way that we can improve, but, unfortunately, Montana is one of just a handful of states that has no school-choice legislation."

The ACE scholarship system is funded by a variety of private donors. Recipients receive an average of about 2,700 dollar each to attend the private school of their choice.

As of now, 58 schools qualify for the scholarships.

 

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