Scholarships: Student Success Story

Scott Flat Lip was a GEAR UP student at Plenty Coups High School. Scott was a 2004 recipient of the Montana GEAR UP Pathways Scholarship. He graduated May 2007 in metals technology from MSU-Billings College of Technology. Read on as Scott tells his inspiring story.

Scott Flatlip

"When I was in junior high, I was very unsure of myself. I did not want to get involved with things. I guess I was sort of shy. I had some trouble reading, and school was hard for me. Then I met a teacher who would always work with me to read better. Not only did she teach me how to read, she encouraged me to believe in myself.

I didn't believe I could ever finish high school or even think of beyond high school. During our meetings, she would talk to me about getting prepared for college and believing in myself. She was good for me because she was kind and gave me good encouragements.

I have come a long way. I am a senior at Plenty Coups High School and am doing good. Right now, I am the only one of my senior class that has applied for college and the FAFSA. I completed my application to the College of Technology in February and completed all my requested documents. I really felt proud of myself. My counselor at school complimented me on my organization. I feel so good that I have a future."
- Excerpted from Scott's application for the Montana GEAR UP Pathways Scholarship