Lance Scholars Program helps Montana Tech transfer student pursue physical therapy dream

Caris Paul, of Billings has a dream of one day becoming a physical therapist. To meet her goal, she knows it will take a lot of hard work, and a doctorate degree that will have a significant price tag. That’s why when she learned she had been awarded a Lance Scholarship at Montana Technological University, she was incredibly grateful.

“When I found out I received it, I felt so relieved,” Paul said. “I thought I was going to need two jobs to pay for school, but now I can just focus on one and balance school and life better.”

The Lance Scholars Program annually provides 50 in-state students with the opportunity to receive a $4,000 per year scholarship, renewable for up to an additional three years (up to $16,000 total), covering almost half of current tuition at Montana Tech. It was established through the generosity of Ryan (Petroleum Engineering, ’84) and Lisa Lance. Ryan has served as the CEO of ConocoPhillips since 2012. The Lance family made a $31 million donation to Montana Tech in Spring 2022, most of which is dedicated to the Lance Scholars Program.

“One thing I liked about the Lance Scholarship is that it was more open to students than most,” said Paul, who is majoring in exercise and health science. “The requirements weren’t hard to fulfill, and it didn’t take me long to apply. Other scholarships want you to write long essays and do a lot of extra things. This one was simple and straightforward.”

Paul also noted that scholarships for transfer students are often more difficult to qualify for, compared to those available for graduating high school seniors. Paul originally began college at Bismarck State College in North Dakota to play softball but transferred to Montana Tech after realizing she wanted to be closer to home and part of a supportive community.

“I missed my friends and family, but I also didn’t want to just go back home,” she said. “When I saw the positive environment at Montana Tech, I knew this was the place where I could find my own way in life.”

The scholarship is already helping her prepare for professional school.

“It’s paying for my tuition and my books,” she said. “It takes away the stress of saving money for those things now, so I can put that money toward PT school later.”

Beyond finances, Paul said the scholarship has given her a deeper sense of connection to Montana Tech.

“At my last school, I didn’t feel connected because I was always busy with softball,” she said. “Here, I don’t have to stress about money as much, and I can be part of campus life and build friendships. The scholarship really gave me that opportunity.”

She encourages other students to apply, even if they aren’t sure they’ll qualify.

“It can be a tremendous stress relief to know you have support to pay for school,” she said.

The Lance Scholars Program is open to Montana high school seniors or transfer students who meet the following criteria:

• Student must have a 3.0 GPA or higher at time of application.
• Student must be a resident of Montana.
• Student must be an incoming first-year, transfer, or a Highlands College student moving to a bachelor’s degree program.
• Student must complete the dedicated scholarship application for the Lance Scholars program.
• Student must complete the FAFSA.

Applicants will be asked in 3-5 sentences to answer the question: During your time at Montana Tech, what is one thing you’d like to learn or experience that has the ability to effect change in the world?

The deadline to apply is February 15. Upon acceptance to Montana Tech, qualifying students will receive a link to apply for the Lance Scholars Program and submit materials on their personal URL (PURL) page. For more information visit www.mtech.edu/lancescholars.